Advertisement

Coast Guard Warns Boaters About Shark Presence

The Coast Guard is telling recreational boaters and paddlers to watch out for sharks in the ocean waters off New England.

The Coast Guard on Friday issued the shark advisory on Friday, just before the long holiday weekend. The move comes days after a juvenile great white shark was caught by a tuna boat in Stellwagen Bank, about 20 miles off Massachusetts.

The advisory from Al Johnson, the 1st Coast Guard District's recreational boating specialist, says sharks sighted off the coast in recent years have been as long as 15 feet, big enough to capsize a small boat or kayak.

Johnson says a passing shark "would surely find a splashing paddle or dangling hand inviting."

He says boaters should steer clear of seal colonies or passing pods of seals — a favorite food of sharks.

This program aired on July 2, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close