8 Shark Sightings In Cape Cod Waters

ORLEANS, MA — Cape Cod beachgoers are going to need a bigger boat. Since Sunday, there have been at least eight great white shark sightings from Provincetown down to Orleans. On Sunday, two great whites were seen near Campground Beach in Eastham. On Monday, there were another two great white sightings near Nauset Beach in Orleans.

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Cape Cod beaches may be sparsely attended through this weekend, as several rounds of rain are expected. The next viable beach day appears to be Monday at the earliest.

Cape Cod is a hotspot for sharks, which are drawn in by the dense seal population. Experts predict this will be another busy summer for great white shark sightings, especially after the discovery last year of the first great white nursey off Montauk, New York.

Last year was another busy one for great white shark sightings on the Cape. On Sunday, August 13, Lighthouse Beach in Chatham was closed after a great white shark was seen eating a seal nearby. On Friday, Aug. 5, Truro beaches were closed as six great whites fed on a dead minke whale nearby. In July, boaters credited an app for alerting them to a great white swimming alongside their boat — and a 6-year-old boy actually hooked a great white in Cape Cod Bay (The shark was cut free.).

Shark attacks on humans are extremely rare — the odds are about one in 12 million. Most shark attack victims survive; bites on humans by sharks are normally exploratory.

The nonprofit Atlantic White Shark Conservancy operates a shark map app called "Sharktivity" that tracks sightings. The conservancy provided these tips for avoiding great white encounters:

• "Do not swim near seals
• Swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom
• Swim, paddle, kayak, and surf in groups
• Do not swim alone in the ocean at dawn or dusk
• Avoid isolation
• Limit splashing and do not wear shiny jewelry
• Keep your distance (at least 150 feet) from seals, whether they are resting on land or are in the water. It is against the law to disturb them
• Adhere to all signage at beaches where seals are resting
• Keep pets leashed. Inquisitive dogs can startle resting seals, resulting in seal bites or scratches to you or your pet
• Follow instructions of lifeguards
• Become familiar with the beach flag warning system
• Take time to read signage at the beaches"

Related:

• Boy Catches Great White Shark In Cape Cod Bay
• First-Ever Great White Shark Nursery Found South Of Cape Cod
• App Alerts Boaters To Great White Shark On Cape Cod

4-day Forecast for Cape Cod

Today, rain later this morning and tonight and breezy starting this afternoon, continuing until this evening.

Wednesday July 12

Drizzle in the morning and overnight. High 77, low 69.
Chance of precipitation: 60%. Wind 7 mph from the SW

Thursday July 13

Rain throughout the day. High 76, low 62.
Chance of precipitation: 75%. Wind 1 mph from the SW

Friday July 14

Light rain throughout the day. High 66, low 62.
Chance of precipitation: 76%. Wind 15 mph from the ENE

Saturday July 15

Light rain in the morning. High 71, low 64.
Chance of precipitation: 45%. Wind 9 mph from the NE

Data provided by darksky.net.

Photo: The blue fins indicate recent shark sightings in Cape Cod waters. (Credit: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy)