Fishermen Spot Huge Great White Off The Coast Of Maryland

A group of fishermen got more than they bargained for when they went out off the coast of Maryland and got up close with a great white.

While bobbing along and shooting the breeze, the group of mates spotted the 'huge' predator coasting through the waters near Ocean City.

And fortunately for us, they caught the whole encounter on film.

In the footage that has been shared online, the great white can be seen moving through the water below, approaching the boat.

The understandably excited bunch of seafarers then begin to track it as it circles the vessel, and even lower some carcasses off the side to entice the big guy over.

And it doesn't refuse the offer, surfacing out of the water with its huge, gaping mouth ready to snatch the grub.

Speaking about the tense meeting, fisherman Steven White said it was the first time he had seen one in the wild and just couldn't believe it.

He told ABC: "All of a sudden, a big white shark shows up right next to the boat and decides to swim around the boat and give us a show for about 10-15 minutes.

"She showed up, every bit 15 to 18-foot-long, just huge, 2,000-3,000 pounds, it's a massive animal.

Steven White

"Other than in an aquarium, that's the first White I've seen in the wild, I have a whole new perspective on what a really big fish in the ocean looks like."

Adding: "Yeah, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Definitely."

According to Jennie Janssen from the National Aquarium, it's rare to see a great white up close in the area.

Ms Janssen is the Assistant Curator of Blue Wonders and told local media: "What an incredible experience to be on that boat.

"It's not uncommon for them to be in the waters here, they typically migrate through this area every year around this time, so it's not uncommon, but it's definitely a treat if you are able to be in that close proximity with them."

Last month, a swimmer got the fright of their life when they came within touching distance of a huge basking shark.

The man was swimming off the coast of Malaga, Spain, when the monstrous animal glided past him, with its fin peeking out of the water.

According to reports, this sighting (22 May) of the the plankton-eating basking shark was the third in less than a month in the country's southern waters.

Topics: US News, shark

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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