See it: Large great white shark spotted off Cape Cod in season's first reported sighting
The tour group watched and recorded video as the estimated 12-foot shark feasted on a juvenile gray seal on Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Large great white shark seen off Cape Cod
People aboard a whale watching trip got quite the surprise when they saw a large great white shark. Those recording said it is the first great white shark sighting of the season.
CAPE COD, Mass. – Whale watchers were in for quite the surprise Saturday as they watched a great white shark devouring its next meal just feet from their boat.
Michelle Silva with the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch said their tour group watched as the estimated 12-foot shark feasted on a juvenile gray seal on Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The federally protected marine sanctuary is located east of Boston, Massachusetts, between Cape Ann and Cape Cod.
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"The entire event only lasted around 7 minutes from when we first saw the shark quickly break the surface of the water, in what we think was the initial strike, to when the seal was consumed," the whale-watching group said on Facebook.
"We’ve shared the video with shark researchers who have confirmed this is the first eyewitness confirmation of a white shark and predation this season," they added.
Staying safe in ocean as great white sharks occupy Northeast waters
Department of Natural Resources Director Robert Duncanson provides shark safety tips on FOX Weather.
Officials warn that sharks are back in the area, and it is a great reminder to be shark smart when venturing out into open waters.
STAY SHARK SMART: WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU HEAD INTO THE WATER
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy shares these helpful tips when visiting Cape Cod:
- Stay close to shore where you can hear any warnings if they go out
- Swim in groups. Don't go out alone
- Avoid marine life. Seals and fish that can be food for sharks
- Avoid dark, murky water you can't see through
- Always pay attention to flags or signs
- A purple flag means sharks frequent that area
- Don't splash around
And most importantly, the nature conservancy says to listen to the lifeguards if they warn you to get out of the water. Lifeguards get these alerts firsthand from researchers and are in charge of deciding if and what action to take if there could be a shark nearby.
'Tiger shark rammed me': Tiger shark attacks kayaker off Hawaii coast
A tiger shark rammed and bit a fisherman’s kayak off Hawaii’s Oahu island on Friday, May 12. Video recorded by Scott Haraguchi shows the animal charge at him and bite his kayak. Haraguchi then kicks the shark away.