Surfers Spot Possible Shark Off Lido Beach

A band of surfers may have spotted a shark off the shores of Lido Beach Monday afternoon.

Tommy Grimes, 23, of Massapequa, paddled out with several others in a surfing section of Lido West Town Park when he and a friend caught a glimpse of the shark.

The two spotted what they say was a “massive” and “bulky” shark that was at least 12 feet long.

While they only got a brief glimpse of the animal, they were able to spot one large dorsal fin and a smaller dorsal fin closer to its tail. They speculate that it was a great white shark because of its body.

The group quickly got out of the water and informed a lifeguard, who they said shut the beach to swimmers.

“We’ve been surfing in that spot for a good 10 years and this is the first time we’ve seen one,” said Grimes. “It was an eye opener.”

Grimes said the sighting was enough to convince the group to quit surfing for the day, but not for good.

“There was no way we were going to dance with the devil out there. When you see that, it’s time to get out,” he said, adding, “But it’s not enough to make me retire forever.”

Monday’s was one of several sightings on the South Shore this summer. A young great white shark washed ashore last week in Amagansett and in June, a fisherman caught a baby great white shark off the Rockaways.

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