Officials in the coastal Maine town of Harpswell have issued a warning about sharks after recent great white sightings.Harpswell Marine Resources & Harbor Management announced Wednesday morning that shark notification flags are being displayed at Cedar Beach on Bailey Island out of an abundance of caution, as two great white sharks were spotted east of the island in a 48-hour period.Beachgoers are still able to access the water, as officials said the notification system is in place for people to make informed decisions.National Geographic recently published what is believed to be the first recorded underwater picture of a great white shark in Maine waters. Photographer Brian Skerry was about 15 miles off the coast of Harpswell when he captured the image of the nearly 10-foot-long great white.Maine’s first and so far only deadly shark attack happened off Bailey Island five years ago.Julie Dimperio Holowach, 63, of New York City, was swimming with her daughter about 20 yards offshore near White Sails Lane when she was fatally attacked by a shark in July 2020. Maine Marine Patrol officials said a tooth fragment recovered confirmed that Holowach was attacked by a great white shark.Anyone who spots a shark is asked by officials to take a picture and call the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center at 207-893-2810, as it helps beach managers in Casco Bay to take appropriate action.

HARPSWELL, Maine —

Officials in the coastal Maine town of Harpswell have issued a warning about sharks after recent great white sightings.

Harpswell Marine Resources & Harbor Management announced Wednesday morning that shark notification flags are being displayed at Cedar Beach on Bailey Island out of an abundance of caution, as two great white sharks were spotted east of the island in a 48-hour period.

Beachgoers are still able to access the water, as officials said the notification system is in place for people to make informed decisions.

National Geographic recently published what is believed to be the first recorded underwater picture of a great white shark in Maine waters. Photographer Brian Skerry was about 15 miles off the coast of Harpswell when he captured the image of the nearly 10-foot-long great white.

Maine’s first and so far only deadly shark attack happened off Bailey Island five years ago.

Julie Dimperio Holowach, 63, of New York City, was swimming with her daughter about 20 yards offshore near White Sails Lane when she was fatally attacked by a shark in July 2020. Maine Marine Patrol officials said a tooth fragment recovered confirmed that Holowach was attacked by a great white shark.

Anyone who spots a shark is asked by officials to take a picture and call the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center at 207-893-2810, as it helps beach managers in Casco Bay to take appropriate action.