News

LIVE BLOG: Shark sightings, encounters in and around Massachusetts

You can't talk about summertime in Massachusetts without mentioning sharks. Whether you're terrified of sharks or fascinated by them, the "sharkmania" in our area is real - and rightfully so.

Sightings have become near-daily occurrences, most likely from the number of seals that migrate to this area for the summer.

MORE: The Complete guide to shark season in New England

We've been keeping track of the biggest shark incidents so far this year:

Monday, September 17, 11:40 a.m.: White shark spotted close to shore at Nauset Public Beach.

Saturday, September 16, 1:20 p.m.: Plane spots white shark near Nauset beach in Eastham. Water closed for one hour.

Saturday, September 15, 12:10 p.m.: A man died after being attacked by a shark 300 yards off Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. First reported fatal shark encounter off Cape Cod in over 80 years. 

Thursday, September 6, 2:55 p.m: White shark close to shore at Nauset Public. At least two in the area.

Thursday, September 6, 12:45 p.m: Pilot sees 8 white sharks off Nauset Public Beach. One close to shore.

Tuesday, September 4, 1:30 p.m.: Shark spotted off Chatham Bars.

Friday, August 31: Shark sighted a few yards off of a beach in Eastham. Beach closed for an hour.

Tuesday, August 28: Confirmed white shark sighting by lifeguards at Head of Meadow Beach approximately 75 yards from shore. Water closed for swimming for one hour.

Monday, August 27, 11:50 a.m.: Shark breach out of the water in front of Truro Town beach approximately 100 yards from shore. Closed for swimming for one hour.

Monday, August 27, 10:24 a.m.: Confirmed shark sighting at Nauset Public beach in Orleans, Massachusetts.

Saturday, August 25, 12:35 p.m.: Great white shark spotted 20 yards off Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

Friday, August 24, 4:12 p.m.: Nauset Beach closed for swimming for one hour after lifeguards confirm great white shark sighting.

Friday, August 24: Great White shark seen chasing seal about 10 feet from Truro Town Beach near Head of the Meadow. Swimming closed for one hour.

Thursday, August 23: Great white shark found dead on Truro beach.

Monday, August 20: 50,000-pound finback whale washes up on Duxbury Beach

Friday, August 17: Great white shark spotted off Barnstable Harbor

>> RELATED STORY: Marshfield harbormaster concerned over location, frequency of shark sightings

Thursday, August 16: Caught on camera: Humpback whale breaches next to fishing boat in Hampton Beach, N.H.

Thursday, August 16: Shark seen attacking what appeared to be a seal at Race Point Beach in Provincetown.

Wednesday, August 15: 61-year-old man from New York bitten by shark off Long Nook Beach in Truro.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHARKS? Chatham Shark Center researching, tagging and teaching all about sharks

Monday, August 6: Caught on camera: Great white shark jumps out of water at Atlantic White Shark Conservancy researcher's feet in Wellfleet.

Sunday, July 29: Pictures capture white shark swimming near stand-up paddleboarder in Nauset.

Friday, June 29: Great white shark sighting near swimmers at Race Point Beach in Provincetown.

TEACHING CHILDREN: The Gills Club inspiring next generation of female shark scientists

Make sure to download the Boston 25 News app for alerts on shark sightings, attacks and beach closures. Available on iOS and Android devices.