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
Trump touring Texas flood damage Friday

Trump to Visit Texas to Assess Flood Damage on Friday

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — On Friday, President Donald Trump visited Texas to…
Israel Gaza Concentration Camp: Haaretz Calls Out Rafah Camp

Haaretz Criticizes Rafah Camp in Gaza, Referring to It as a “Concentration Camp”

Israel’s defense minister is promoting a plan to herd Gaza’s entire population…
Woman charged in St. Augustine stabbing due back in court after ruled competent

Woman Accused in St. Augustine Stabbing Scheduled to Return to Court Following Competency Ruling

Arieana Gibbs, aged 22, had previously been deemed unfit to stand trial…
Federal judge restricts LAPD from targeting journalists with force at immigration protests

Federal Judge Prohibits LAPD from Using Force Against Journalists During Immigration Protests

A federal judge in Los Angeles, appointed by former President Joe Biden,…
Yeah, The ‘Always Sunny’ / ‘Abbott Elementary’ Crossover Features Quinta Brunson Calling Dee a ‘Total F**king C**t,’ What About It?

Unexpected ‘Always Sunny’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’ Crossover: Quinta Brunson’s Bold Insult to Dee!

If the It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Abbott Elementary crossover is…

22-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Murdered by Online Acquaintance After Expressing Friendship Intentions; ‘Gruesome Scene’ Discovered

A 22-year-old woman reportedly told a man that she wasn’t interested in…
Union says farm worker died after ICE raid that uncovered underage laborers

Union Reports Farm Worker Dies After ICE Raid Revealing Child Labor

On Friday, union officials reported that a farmworker had died following injuries…
Friends who discovered Idaho murder victims reveal eerie omen before the massacre

Mother of Idaho murder victim finds surprising solace in controversial plea deal by the killer

The mother of University of Idaho victim Xana Kernodle has broken her…
‘Skillhouse’ Star Bryce Hall On His New Horror Film, Social Media, And 50 Cent Controversy: “He Was Trying To Hold The Film Hostage For $5 Million”

‘Skillhouse’ Lead Bryce Hall Discusses New Horror Movie, Social Media, and 50 Cent Drama: “He Wanted $5 Million to Release the Film”

When considering influencers from content houses, Bryce Hall often comes to mind.…
Intel Official Busted for Selling Top Secret Info to Foreign Nation Because He Was ‘Disturbed’ by Trump

Report: Kash Patel Stays Put Due to Leading Significant Russiagate Inquiry

Many experts believed that the Attorney General had made significant promises but…

Eyewitness to Idaho Tragedy: Missteps, Misunderstandings, and the Unveiling of the Real Culprit

EDGING open the door to the student digs, Hunter Johnson felt something…
Is the US seeing worse flooding this summer? Here's what's happening

Has Flooding Intensified in the US This Summer? Here’s an Overview of the Situation

Flash flooding has become a significant concern recently, with Texas, North Carolina,…