A drone captured video of a large great white shark near Scarborough beaches, prompting local police to issue a public awareness warning.
At a Glance
- A 10–12-foot great white shark was filmed near Richmond Island and popular Scarborough beaches.
- The footage was captured by clam fisherman David Lancaster around 10 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025.
- Scarborough police shared the video for public situational awareness to keep visitors informed.
- Maine’s first recorded fatal shark attack occurred in 2020, highlighting the importance of community updates.
- Scientists suggest an increase in local seal populations may be contributing to more frequent white shark sightings.
Early Week Drone Sighting Spurs Alert
On Monday, August 11, 2025, a commercial clam fisherman named David Lancaster filmed a 10- to 12-foot great white shark swimming just below the surface near Richmond Island, adjacent to popular Scarborough beaches like Crescent Beach State Park and Higgins Beach. The recording prompted local authorities to rapidly share it for “public situational awareness.”
Watch now: Great white shark spotted off coast of Scarborough · YouTube
Multiple Sightings Raise Awareness
Authorities confirmed that the shark was seen again Tuesday morning near Pine Point Beach, though no video of that sighting has surfaced. The Scarborough Marine Resource Officer highlighted the importance of keeping residents and visitors informed through such updates.
Presence Reflects Environmental Shifts
Great white sharks have historically been uncommon in Maine’s coastal waters, although they have been present in the region for centuries. Recent years have seen an increase in sightings of these formidable predators, sparking curiosity and concern among local residents and marine biologists alike. Experts suggest that this rise in encounters can be attributed to the significant growth of the seal population in the area, particularly harbor seals, which are a primary food source for great white sharks.
Historical Context and Safety Perspective
Maine recorded its first fatal shark attack in 2020, when a woman swimming near Bailey Island was fatally struck by a great white shark. While such incidents are exceptionally rare, it underscores why local authorities respond swiftly to reported sightings.
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