Shark spotted off Bumpkin Island in Kennebunkport

Shark Sighting Near Kennebunkport Raises Beach Safety Alert

A shark has been reported in the waters off Bumpkin Island, a small island off the coast of Kennebunkport, prompting the town’s police department to issue a warning to beachgoers. The alert came Friday afternoon, though officials did not disclose the species involved or the exact time the first sighting occurred.

Kennebunkport police urged anyone enjoying the beach that day to stay alert and to avoid entering the water if they notice anything unusual. Police advised that if a shark is seen, beachgoers should calmly leave the water, inform nearby people, and call the police at 207‑967‑2454 to report the sighting.

This Friday’s notice follows a series of shark reports along the southern Maine coastline this summer. In the past two weeks, authorities have warned of sharks near Kennebunkport on two separate occasions. On August 20, sightings were reported off Goose Rocks Beach and Gooch’s Beach, prompting similar advisories.

The increasing number of encounters has also drawn attention to incidents farther south. Earlier in the month, a lifeguard in Scarborough reported being briefly dragged underwater by a shark before escaping. Sharks have also been sighted off the coasts of Biddeford, Georgetown, Harpswell, and Wells, underscoring a broader trend of marine activity in the area.

While the police cannot confirm the type of shark involved, the repeated sightings suggest that visitors and locals should exercise caution. The town encourages people to stay informed through local news outlets and the police department’s social media channels.

For those planning a beach day, officials recommend keeping a close eye on the water, staying with a group, and avoiding the water during periods of low visibility or when currents are strong. Should any swimmer encounter a shark, the priority is to exit the water calmly, signal others, and promptly contact emergency services.

Kennebunkport police have not yet provided further details on the circumstances of the latest sighting, but the repeated warnings reflect a heightened focus on public safety. Residents and visitors are advised to heed the advisories and to stay alert for any further updates from local authorities.