Great white shark spotted near Harpswell beach

Great White Shark Spotted Off Bailey Island’s Cedar Beach, Town Issues Warning

A fisherman off Cedar Beach on Bailey Island reported a great white shark in the water on Monday afternoon, prompting the town of Harpswell to raise a warning flag for beachgoers.

The shark was seen surfacing a few hundred yards off the shoreline around 4 p.m., the town’s social‑media post said. “The shark surfaced a few hundred yards off Cedar Beach on Bailey Island around 4 p.m. Monday,” the post read, and staff immediately posted a caution flag along the beach.

Town officials urged anyone in or near the water to be cautious. “We advise visitors to stay close to shore and avoid the surf during the time of the sighting,” the post added.

The sighting comes amid a history of shark activity in the area. In July 2020, a summer resident was killed by a great white while swimming near her home on Bailey Island. The incident remains Maine’s only fatal shark attack to date.

Harpswell has taken steps to inform the public about the risk. In July 2022, a sign warning visitors of possible sharks was posted at Potts Point Preserve, and the town continues to monitor marine wildlife activity in local waters.

The fisherman who first spotted the shark reported the encounter to Harpswell Coast Guard and local authorities, who then notified the public via the town’s Facebook page. No injuries have been reported, and the shark is believed to have moved away from the area by early evening.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and encouraging beachgoers to remain vigilant. The town has not yet issued a beach closure, but it remains ready to take further action if additional sightings occur.