Shark Sightings Prompt Cape Cod Swimming Bans

CHATHAM, Mass. — The sightings of several great white sharks have prompted a swimming ban for the rest of the holiday weekend at all oceanside beaches in Chatham.

Officials at North Beach, Lighthouse Beach, South Beach and Hardings Beach in Chatham and Nauset Beach in Orleans put up red “no swimming” signs after a shark expert with the state Division of Marine Fisheries spotted four great whites off Chatham’s coast Saturday.

The expert, senior biologist Gregory Skomal, and his crew were able to tag two of the sharks with electronic tracking devices. He says the sharks were 8 and 10 feet long.

Chatham Harbor Master Stuart Smith said he became concerned after one shark was spotted close to one of the town’s beaches. “We decided to be a little extra cautious and close those East side beaches for now.”

State officials are also warning other swimmers in the area to be on the lookout for sharks this weekend.