Great white shark near Scarborough: visitor's life in danger!

Great white shark near Scarborough: visitor's life in danger!

A 10- to 12-foot-long great white shark was spotted near the coast of Scarborough, Maine, on Monday, prompting panic among beachgoers. The sighting occurred near popular beaches not far from Portland, where many tourists and locals enjoy the sun. In response to the sighting, Scarborough Police have issued a warning advising bathers to take extra caution and not swim too far from shore. Scarborough Beach and Pine Point Beach are among the region's busiest beaches, especially during the summer months when millions of Americans visit the coastal beaches.

Experts are reporting a worrying increase in the presence of great white sharks in Maine waters, likely due to the growth of the seal population. Over 50 shark sightings have been documented along the Maine coast in the past five years, an alarming trend that is impacting the safety situation on beaches. Authorities have taken monitoring measures and are working closely with marine researchers to better track shark movements and adjust safety protocols.

Background and security measures

The warnings recall a tragic incident from the summer of 2020 in which a 63-year-old woman died near Bailey Island while swimming with her daughter. This incident, which took place in about five meters of water, is not the only one. Statistically, the chance of a shark attack on a human is about 1 in 11.5 million, although the risk still exists on beaches with frequent shark sightings. Safety guidelines, such as avoiding swimming at dusk and staying away from fishing areas, have been followed on many beaches to minimize risk. Overall, documentation of shark attacks on most U.S. beaches has shown that such incidents are statistically rare, yet there are areas where shark sightings are more common.

The top 10 American beaches with the most shark sightings include New Smyrna Beach in Florida, known as the “Shark Attack Capital of the World,” and Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where great white shark sightings have increased dramatically. Special safety measures have been taken on these beaches, including surveillance operations by trained lifeguards and regular information about shark activity to bathers to ensure safety.

Shark sightings worldwide

The trend of shark sightings is not just limited to the United States. In the Mediterranean, a popular holiday destination, reports of shark sightings are also increasing, particularly in Spain and Italy. In May 2024, for example, a blue shark was spotted on the beach at Arenal d'en Castell, which led to a short-term beach closure. Spain, particularly the Balearic Islands and the coastal regions of Valencia and Alicante, represents a central point for such sightings. In August 2023, a man was slightly injured by a blue shark on Rabdells beach in Valencia, highlighting the need to exercise caution even in European waters.

Despite these incidents, the risk to bathers remains low. Experts note that most shark species, such as the blue shark, largely avoid humans and only attack in stressful situations. The chance of being attacked by a shark in the Mediterranean area is approximately 1 in 4 million. However, swimmers are advised to remain calm and slowly withdraw from the water if they encounter a shark. Local authorities should be informed in such cases in order to adequately assess the situation.

Sharks play an important role in the marine ecosystem by regulating the balance of marine populations. Rising sea temperatures and overfishing are forcing sharks to seek new hunting grounds closer to the coasts of popular holiday regions. This could affect the frequency of sightings in the future and requires proactive measures to ensure safety for both people and these majestic creatures.