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National Park Service
Contact: Kathy Tevyaw, 508-957-0700 On Wednesday, August 23 at approximately 10:00 am, a shark bit a stand-up paddle board at Marconi Beach in Wellfleet. The shark did not bite the person on the board, a 69-year old man who was paddling approximately 30 yards off-shore in three to five feet of water.The incident occurred approximately 50 to 75 yards south of the lifeguard-protected beach. Seals were observed swimming nearby. There was an incoming tide, waters were calm, and mung was present, which limited water visibility. “Sharks have always been present in these waters,” said Interim Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent Kathy Tevyaw. “We’ve worked collaboratively with all of the towns on the Outer Cape to ensure that we share safety tips with swimmers, paddlers, surfers, and others who recreate in Cape Cod waters.” These include, not swimming alone; remaining close to shore; swimming, paddling, kayaking, and surfing in groups; and not swimming near seals. Staff from the national seashore are working with the MA Division of Marine Fisheries and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to determine further details about the incident. |
Last updated: August 24, 2017