Great white shark swimming underwater.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE biggest white shark ever tagged by scientists has been spotted heading towards a popular tourist beach.

Named ‘The Contender’, the vast beast hasn’t been heard from for several weeks.

Great white shark swimming underwater.
Stock image of a Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, South Africa, Dyer Island
Researchers tagging a 14-foot great white shark alongside a boat.
Contender was tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCHCredit: SWNS
A 14-foot great white shark, nicknamed Contender, near the surface of the water.
Contender, the 14ft great white sharkCredit: SWNS
Map showing great white shark's movements from Florida to North Carolina.

The massive shark has been skulking around the North Carolina coast for the past few months.

Scientists keep tabs on its location through a tracker that “pings” whenever the shark’s fin breaks the water’s surface.

But after several weeks off grid, the behemoth has surfaced again – this time near the popular North Carolina tourist area of Pamlico Sound.

The latest ping sounded on June 7, just before 10pm.

The scientists’ tracking map appears to show The Contender making a move north since it last appeared.

Weighing a whopping 1,600 pounds, the shark was first tagged on January 17 this year.

The Contender started its journey about 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia border.

It is the largest ever shark tagged the research group OCEARCH.

The adult white shark measures a staggering 13 feet and nine inches.

Dr. Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian at OCEARCH, stated, “At this time of year, white sharks begin their late spring and early summer migration, transitioning from their southern wintering zones to their northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada summer and fall foraging areas.”

The Contender’s previous ping came on May 21, when it was much further south along North Carolina’s coast.

However, beachgoers need not panic, as the shark is still swimming a fair distance from the coastline.

Dr. Newton further added, “Our global shark tracker frequently shows sharks pausing around the Outer Banks just before heading north, which seems to be the case for the white shark named Contender.

“This behavior might be driven by the abundant food resources in the area, providing an opportunity to feed and prepare for potentially extensive journeys of over 1,000 miles.”

OCEARCH’s website calls Contender “the ultimate ocean warrior” and a “mature male” specimen.

It adds that his nickname comes in honour of Contender Boats – an old partner of the research group.

The website says: “The SPOT tag deployed on Contender will provide valuable real-time data for approximately five years, helping us track his movements and understand his migration patterns.

“Additionally, we’ve collected important biological samples, including urogenital material, which are currently being analysed.”

It comes after a huge 20ft shark emerged from the water before stalking a tiny boat on Block Island.

The boat was seen slowly drifting towards the edge of the lake, while two dark shapes appeared to rise from the water.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
FX's "Alien: Earth" expands its universe with a companion podcast and immersive experiences

FX’s “Alien: Earth” Expands Universe with Companion Podcast and Immersive Experiences

LOS ANGELES — FX is offering its fans a closer look into…
How law enforcement's discovery of rare drug in Suzanne Morphew's body led to her husband's eventual arrest

Forensic Scientist Suggests Suzanne Morphew’s Remains Possibly Relocated Twice After Her Death

Suzanne Morphew’s body may have been moved twice after she died, according…
Justice Dept. fires more lawyers, support staff involved in Trump prosecutions

Justice Department Dismisses Additional Lawyers and Support Staff Involved in Trump Cases

The firings are part of a broader wave of terminations that have…
Woman found guilty in mushroom murder mystery that left three family members dead after meal

Woman Convicted in Mushroom-Related Murder Case that Claimed Lives of Three Family Members After Dining Together

A woman who poisoned four family members, killing three of them, is…
Live Aid 40th anniversary: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on concerts from Philadelphia, London

Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates, and Bob Geldof Share Their Memories of the Philadelphia and London Concerts

NEW YORK — Forty years ago, the iconic Live Aid concerts set…
Militant union bosses urge doctors not to tell their hospitals if they are striking – sparking fears for patient safety

Aggressive Union Leaders Instruct Doctors to Withhold Strike Participation from Hospitals, Raising Concerns for Patient Safety

Union leaders from a militant standpoint are advising doctors that they are…
Security camera footage of a blurry altercation in a restaurant.

Shocking Incident: Intoxicated Driver Crashes SUV Through Restaurant Wall After Brawl

THIS is the terrifying moment a drunk driver smashes his SUV into…
Lawmakers visit 'Alligator Alcatraz' after being blocked

Legislators Tour ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Following Previous Denial

OCHOPEE, Fla. (AP) — Democratic legislators have criticized Florida’s newly established Everglades…
Mugshot of Sarah Grace Patrick.

Teenager’s Eerie Social Media Activity Before Being Charged with Killing Mom and Stepfather After Delivering Eulogy

A TEENAGE girl accused of murdering her mum and stepdad shared haunting…
Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing

Osprey Populations Once Recovered, But Now Nestling Deaths Are Rising—Is Overfishing the Culprit?

In GLOUCESTER POINT, Va. (AP) — Standing on an aging wooden duck…
Jennifer Aniston gets back massage from Jim Curtis on yacht

Jennifer Aniston Enjoys a Relaxing Yacht Massage from Jim Curtis

That escalated quickly. Jennifer Aniston was recently seen receiving a massage and…
France Norse Atlantic Airways passenger curses out airport workers in meltdown over canceled NY-bound flight

French Passenger Lashes Out at Airport Staff After Norse Atlantic Flight to New York Is Canceled

A passenger had a complete meltdown in an airport after learning her…