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

THE biggest shark ever tagged by researchers has been spotted prowling up the US east coast.

Known as ‘The Contender’, the massive white shark is currently skulking around the North Carolina coast.

Great white shark swimming underwater.
Stock image of a Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, South Africa, Dyer IslandCredit: Getty
Great white shark with open mouth near the water's surface.
Scientists track its progress through a tag that “pings” every time the shark’s fin breaks the water’s surfaceCredit: Getty
Map tracking great white shark's movement from Florida to North Carolina, including shark size comparison.

The behemoth was previously seen following the Gulf Stream south near Florida.

Weighing 1,600 pounds, the beast was first tagged on January 17 this year about 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia border.

It was the largest ever shark tagged by research group OCEARCH in the area.

Contender, an adult white shark, measures 13 feet and nine inches.

Initially, Contender remained in familiar territory during the initial weeks of its adventure, staying close to the vicinity of the Florida coastline.

Scientists track its progress through a tag that “pings” every time the shark’s fin breaks the water’s surface.

OCEARCH said the fin needs to be above water for around 90 seconds for the location to be fully accurate.

The website states: “The SPOT tag attached to Contender will offer crucial real-time data for around five years. This will assist us in monitoring his movements and gaining insight into his migration habits.”

Despite Contender’s voyage trending south from January through to March, the latest pings have show the beast much further north.

The shark didn’t emerge for a ping between March 12 and April 8, during which time it had made its way nearer to coastal North Carolina.

Contender has travelled more than 1,400 miles over the past 109 days.

Since emerging near North Carolina, the shark has been prowling up and down the state’s coastal waters.

But beachgoers need not panic, as Contender has kept well clear of the shore so far.

The most recent ping on May 5 had the shark heading southwards in the vague direction of Onslow Bay.

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

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

Sharks will tend to head north and further out to sea during the spring and summer months, according to biologists.

A good supply of seals off the northeast US and Canada, makes it a popular destination for sharks.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The reason behind Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble's public fights

Why Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble Argue in Public

Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble are well past the honeymoon stage. The…
Newlyweds' honeymoon trip ends in fiery crash that kills husband and baby daughter

Honeymoon Tragedy: Fiery Crash Claims Lives of Husband and Baby Daughter

A newlywed’s world was turned upside down when her husband and 1-year-old…
Ocean view at sunset with dark clouds and mountains in the background.

Intense moment Hawaii braced for tsunami following 8.8 earthquake in the Ring of Fire, leading to mass evacuations

HAUNTING footage shows the moment ocean water receded along a Hawaii shoreline…
Portrait of a young Marine in uniform.

Family Claims Deceased Son’s Brain Was Returned in a Leaking Box, Leaving Car with Foul Odor

TWO funeral homes have been accused of packaging a dead man’s brain…
A silver car being towed on a flatbed tow truck.

Cars Can Be Towed Based on Noise Levels: Drivers Have Three Chances

NOISY cars will now be towed – but drivers have three shots…
Portrait of James R. Hoffa after his release from prison.

Jimmy Hoffa’s Son Shares Theory on America’s Notorious Missing Person Case & Urges Trump to Unseal FBI Documents

THE son of union leader Jimmy Hoffa – who mysteriously vanished 50…
Midwest biofuels plant explosion, building collapse leaves 3 dead, including 2 children

Explosion at Midwest Biofuels Plant and Building Collapse Results in 3 Fatalities, Including 2 Children

At least three people are dead, including two children, after a dramatic…
Florida set to execute man for killing wife, 2 kids in new state death sentence record for 1 year

Florida to Break Record with Execution of Man Convicted of Killing Wife and Two Children

STARKE, Fla. (AP) — A man in Florida, found guilty of murdering…
12-pack of High Noon Vodka Seltzer.

Alert for Celsius Drinkers: Vodka Contamination Prompts High Noon to Recall Cans – Check for Lid Clues

OFFICIALS had to issue a shocking recall after the alcoholic beverage High…
Photo of Cristen and David Brink.

Haunting Recording Surfaces of Couple’s Tragic Murder in Front of Their Two Little Girls, Soon After ‘Starting Afresh’

HEARTBREAKING audio of police finding the bodies of two parents who were…
Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough at a book signing for "Obsessed: The Fight Against America's (and My Own) Food Addiction".

Fans of Morning Joe Urge Mika Brzezinski to Return Amidst Challenges Following Trump Dispute

MSNBC fans have been begging for answers ever since star host Mika…
Louisiana 'Medicaid millionaire' bought Lamborghini while claiming government benefits for years

Louisiana Man Accused of Buying Lamborghini with Medicaid Funds After Years of Fraudulent Claims

Not so fast.  A Louisiana woman who purchased a Lamborghini while fraudulently…