James Seidel 
diving with great white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, Guadalupe Island, aboard Nautilus Explorer
Great White Shark Spotted Off North Carolina Coast
By James Seidel | CC News Network
CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C. — A massive great white shark has made its presence known off the North Carolina coast, drawing attention from marine researchers and beachgoers alike.
The shark, named Contender, was tagged by the nonprofit research group OCEARCH on January 17, 2025, near the waters off the Florida-Georgia border. According to satellite tracking data, Contender pinged off the Cape Lookout Shoals on Sunday, April 27, around noon.
This apex predator is an impressive 13 feet, 9 inches long and weighs approximately 1,653 pounds. As a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Contender is one of many being monitored as part of OCEARCH’s ongoing efforts to better understand marine life migration patterns, health, and behavior.
Tagging and Tracking Details:
- Date Tagged: January 17, 2025, 12:00 AM
- Location Tagged: Offshore of FL/GA border
- Latest Ping: April 27, 2025, 1:50:48 PM
- Latest Z-Ping: April 27, 2025, 12:32:03 PM
About Contender
Meet Contender, the ultimate ocean warrior! This powerful white shark was tagged on January 17, 2025, off the FL/GA coast, about 45 miles offshore. At 13.8 feet long and weighing an estimated 1,653 lbs, Contender is a mature male now contributing to OCEARCH’s mission of shark research and ocean conservation.
The SPOT tag deployed on Contender will provide valuable real-time data for approximately five years, helping researchers track his movements and understand his migration patterns. Additionally, biological samples — including urogenital material — were collected during the tagging process and are currently undergoing analysis.
Contender’s name honors Contender Boats, a longtime OCEARCH partner. Their industry-leading sport fishing and pleasure boats enable OCEARCH’s research missions and contribute significantly to advancing shark conservation efforts.
Stay tuned as we continue following Contender on his journey to help protect sharks and preserve the ocean ecosystem.
About OCEARCH
OCEARCH is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that facilitates unprecedented ocean-based field research by providing a collaborative platform for scientists. Through satellite tagging and real-time tracking, OCEARCH helps scientists study the movements and habits of large marine species, particularly sharks. Their work plays a vital role in public safety, ocean conservation, and marine science education.
To date, OCEARCH has tracked at least 38 great white sharks off the coasts of North and South Carolina, offering critical insights into the region’s marine ecosystem and helping inform local conservation policies.
For real-time updates and tracking, you can visit the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker online. Stay with CC News Network for more updates as we continue to follow Contender and other apex predators navigating our coastal waters.
What to Do If You Spot a Shark
✅ If You’re in the Water:
Stay Calm
Panicking increases your risk—erratic movement can attract sharks.Maintain Eye Contact
If the shark is near, face it and keep it in sight. Sharks often attack from behind.Back Away Slowly
Don’t thrash or swim away quickly. Move calmly toward shore or your boat while keeping your eyes on the shark.Get Out of the Water
As soon as it’s safe, exit the water—calmly and steadily.Warn Others
Yell or signal to others to get out of the water, but do not create panic.
✅ If You’re On the Shore or a Boat:
Alert Lifeguards or Authorities Immediately
Call 911 or notify local beach patrol.Keep Swimmers Out of the Water
Use flags, whistles, or loudspeakers if available to warn others.Record Details
Note the size, behavior, location, and direction of the shark to help authorities.
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t play dead (sharks are not like bears).
Don’t turn your back or splash excessively.
Don’t assume the shark is gone because it disappears—sharks circle.
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