A new great white shark sighting off a southern Maine beach prompted local officials to issue a warning Tuesday afternoon.
“Earlier today, a credible sighting of a 6–8 foot great white shark was reported approximately 200 yards off Little Beach near the mouth of the river,” the Ongunquit Fire Department said on Facebook. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are flying the yellow flag today.”
A yellow flag is not specific to shark warnings, but means that swimmers should exercise extreme caution and heed all lifeguard warnings.
“This is a reminder that our ocean is the natural home of sharks,” the fire department added. “We want the public to be aware of today’s sighting, and we are actively monitoring the area for any additional activity.”
Officials said swimmers should remain alert and heed all warnings while the sighting is under review.
Tuesday’s sighting in Ogunquit is just the latest in a series of recent shark sightings off southern Maine beaches. Last week, a large great white shark was spotted off several popular beaches in Scarborough, and a clam fisherman even captured drone video of it. And about a month ago, shark sightings were reported even further north in Harpswell, Maine — the community that was the site of the state’s first fatal shark attack back in 2020.