Teens encounter a great white shark while paddleboarding off Cape Cod

On July 4th, 2025, two teenagers, Margaret Bowles and Madeleine Cronin, were enjoying a paddleboarding excursion near Stony Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As they were immersed in their outing, a great white shark unexpectedly appeared close to them. The incident began when Cronin, wishing to capture a moment on her phone, asked Bowles to pose for a picture. Unbeknownst to them, a shark's fin was visible at the edge of the frame, an alarming detail that both girls only realized moments later when they noticed the significant change in Bowles's demeanor. Upon seeing the fin and understanding the imminent danger, immediate panic ensued, prompting both teens to instinctively paddle back to shore as quickly as possible. Cronin remarked on the adrenaline-fueled urgency to escape the water, and in the chaos, she broke her oar. Once they reached safety, the girls used the Sharktivity app to report their sighting to authorities. The app is designed to track locations of shark activity and inform beachgoers about potential risks. John Chisholm of the New England Aquarium assessed the situation, confirming that the shark was indeed a great white due to its pointed dorsal fin. He acknowledged that while shark sightings are rare in that specific area, they do occur from time to time. Chisholm emphasized the necessity of being aware of their presence during swimming and water activities, advising beachgoers to remain calm and alert when sharks are nearby. The encounter served as a significant reminder for the duo and others about the potential dangers present in coastal waters, particularly since this is a time of year when shark activity often increases. In the aftermath, Bowles expressed pride in how she and Cronin handled the frightening experience, recognizing the importance of staying calm during such a situation. Though Cronin indicated her intention to take a break from the ocean for a few days, she was confident in returning in time. This peculiar situation highlights not only the thrill of ocean recreation but also acknowledges the existence of wildlife that can pose threats to individuals unaware of their presence.