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During the past weekend, the Wells, Maine police received several reports of great white sharks swimming close to the beaches.
While these reports should not induce panic according to officials, the reports come off as unusual due to the time of year. Usually, great white sharks are not seen in the waters of Wells at this time of year. Also, the proximity to the beach is unsettling, as the feared sharks are usually spotted at further distances.
The first report of a sighting came just a little after 1 P.M. on Saturday, when the captain of a charter fishing vessel told the police that 1.2 miles away from the Moody Beach the crew spotted a great white shark swimming around the boat.
The harbormaster of Wells, Chris Mayo stated that following the report of Jaron Thibault, the captain of the fishing vessel, a boat was deployed in the area to confirm the sighting. There were no sightings of the shark at that time.
Nonetheless, the report is not taken lightly. Harbormaster Chris Mayo told the press that Jaron Thibault is a seasoned captain and his report should be credited as true. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard is now informed of the situation.
A second report filed directly to the U.S. Coast guard came from Kevin Proctor who had been out fishing for blue sharks with friends around Portland. The report came on 7:45 P.M.
26 miles of Portland a large fish swam beneath Proctor’s 22-feet long boat. On its emergence of the other side of the boat, the crew aboard could take a good look at the large fish.
According to the report, it was a shark showcasing the recognizable gray color, marked by a white underbelly, as well as a vertical tail fin.
The third report came from Old Orchard beach. One diver swimming well off the Old Orchard beach reported having spotted a great white shark at a distance of 100 to 200 yards off the coast. The sighting hasn’t been confirm either.
Nonetheless, the Wells police and the U.S. Coast Guard are urging precaution. Upon spotting a great white shark, people are encouraged to report the location immediately so timely action can be taken.
Image Source: centralmaine.com
