A popular summer spot in New England, known for being the site of the state’s first fatal shark attack five years ago, is once again seeing an increase in shark activity as beachgoers flock to the area.
Authorities are urging everyone to stay alert after two great white sharks were spotted just 48 hours apart near Bailey Island in Maine, as reported by Harpswell Marine Resources and local port managers.
In light of the sightings, shark notification flags have been raised at Cedar Beach. Visitors who see a shark are encouraged to take pictures and reach out to the Cumberland Regional Communications Centre so that officials can respond appropriately.
Despite the warnings, the beach remains open to swimmers, and a notification system has been implemented to ensure visitor safety in case sharks are spotted nearby.
The recent shark sightings echo a tragic event five years ago, when the island was the scene of the first recorded fatal shark attack in Pine Kizhou.
In July 2020, an unprovoked shark attack resulted in the death of a woman swimming off the coast of Bailey Island. Witnesses had seen her underwater before she was fatally injured, according to the Maine Marine Patrol.
Two kayakers managed to reach her and brought her to shore, where first responders tried to save her, but unfortunately, she did not survive.
Last year alone, the U.S. recorded 71 shark bites, according to the International Shark Attack File from the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Of those incidents, 47 were classified as unprovoked bites, the ISAF reported.
As of now, Harpswell Marine Resources and Harbor Management have not yet responded to any inquiries regarding the recent shark sightings.
