A boating trip near Boothbay Harbor, Maine, turned into a heart-pounding encounter when a couple witnessed a great white shark attack a seal just a half-mile from shore.
Ashley McLennan and her husband were fishing when they spotted the massive shark—estimated to be around 8 feet long—circling their boat for nearly 10 minutes. The terrifying moment, which unfolded Wednesday, was caught on video and later shared with local news station CBS13.
“It was surreal and honestly frightening,” Ashley told reporters. “It was right there beside us, and we could see it chasing the seal. It stayed around our boat for a while.”
Marine biologists who reviewed the footage confirmed it was likely a great white shark—one of the ocean’s most powerful apex predators.
The sighting comes just days after reports that “Contender,” believed to be the world’s largest known great white shark, was tracked off the southeastern U.S. coast. While experts say Contender poses little threat to beachgoers, the warning comes amid a broader rise in shark activity along the New England coastline.
Scientists Urge Caution as Shark Sightings Rise in Maine
According to marine scientists, great white sightings in the Gulf of Maine have become increasingly common during the summer months. The surge is linked to booming seal populations, a primary food source for the predators.
“More seals mean more sharks,” one expert told the Midcoast Villager. “And while shark attacks on humans remain extremely rare, it’s smart to be aware and take basic safety precautions in the water.”
Maine’s scenic beaches remain a popular summer destination, and experts emphasize there’s no need to panic. However, beachgoers are advised to stay alert—especially in areas where seals are present—and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks tend to be more active.
Despite the scare, the McLennans say they’re grateful the encounter ended safely—and with one unforgettable story.
“We never imagined we’d be that close to something so wild,” Ashley said. “You just don’t expect to see a great white that close to the shore in Maine.”
