https://www.wmtw.com/article/nearly-a-dozen-sharks-seen-near-pine-point-beach-in-scarborough/73361521 Nearly a dozen sharks seen near Pine Point Beach in Scarborough
Scarborough's harbor master said nearly a dozen sharks have been spotted as of Wednesday as the town uses drones to spot them. Ronnie Parrillo August 5th
Multimedia Journalist
"The sharks appear to be staying in the area of "Pine Point Jetty and the extensive sandbar that runs parallel to the Scarborough River channel, extending seaward toward Green Buoy #3." (Right where we were!)
SCARBOROUGH, Maine —
In less than 48 hours, nearly a dozen young sharks have been spotted in the waters just off Pine Point Beach in Scarborough. Scarborough Harbor Master Daryen Granata said a school of seven to 10 sharks was spotted just offshore on Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, two young Great Whites swam below a fisherman on a paddleboard. Officials are warning swimmers and beachgoers to take extra caution when heading into the water.
"Where the shark was seen is in the area where, at low tide, you can walk right out that far off of Pine Point Beach. At high tide, obviously, it is 10 to 12 feet underwater, but the concern is a lot of people walk out there as the tide goes in or is coming out, and there are a lot of people that fish out there," Granata said.
"I have been surfing for a long time, and I know that anytime you put your foot in salty water, there might be a toothy fish in there," said Ted Freeman, a surfer who was in the water on Wednesday.
There has been one documented shark attack in Maine's history. A woman was killed by a Great White while swimming near Bailey's Island in July 2020. Granata said August is a common time to see sharks in Maine waters because of the water temperature.
"Our park rangers are keeping an eye on the beach; I am monitoring the beach. We have had drones that have gone up from folks and local agencies to make sure we are keeping situational awareness," Granata said.
Granata said drones have been helpful in spotting the sharks. Right now, there are no swimming restrictions or closures at Scarborough beaches, but caution is advised. Officials urge beachgoers to alert them as soon as possible if they see a shark.
If you find yourself close to a shark in the water, experts urge you to swim gently away while facing the shark. Avoid any sudden movements or splashing, and stay away from schools of fish or seals, if possible.
on August 5, 2026, 11:19 am
