Swimmers on edge after Cape Cod shark sightings

Great white sharks have become an increasingly common presence along the cape in recent years, drawn to the region by a population of seals that represent their primary food source.

Two Cape Cod beaches were temporarily closed this week after a shark attacked a seal near the shoreline of Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.

Witnesses were understandably shocked: “It was nearly like Jaws” and “it was pretty gruesome” were some statements captured in this WCVB write up.

However, all it takes is a dorsal fin to poke its way up above the water to draw a both terrified and curious crowd at the beach. “Get out of the water!”‘ said swimmer Shelby Carney.

Authorities didn’t identify the shark species involved in the incident, but the culprit was likely a great white shark.

Cape Cod National Seashore confirmed that raising the flag and closing the beach after a shark attack was standard protocol. Great whites snacking on seals in Cape waters is nothing new.

Swimmers are advised to avoid the water in known shark areas where there is an abundance of seals as this is the most at risk time.