Shark Week Features Highlights of Shark Activity Along the Shore
The summer of 1916 remains etched in the history of the Jersey Shore, not merely as a seasonal retreat but as the backdrop of a startling series of shark attacks. Five attacks occurred along approximately seventy miles of coastline in less than two weeks, a grim chapter in local lore that resonated long after it unfolded. The initial attack happened in Beach Haven in July of that year, resulting in four fatalities and one serious injury, as detailed in Michael Capuzzo’s compelling account in “Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence.”
Fast forward nearly a century later, and a different kind of shark captivated the attention of beachgoers. In 2012, researchers from the nonprofit organization OCEARCH tagged a remarkable 3,500-pound, 16-foot great white shark named Mary Lee off the coast of Cape Cod. Equipped with a GPS tracker, Mary Lee was released back into the Atlantic, and her movements along the East Coast began to draw significant public interest.
Mary Lee quickly garnered popularity online, becoming an internet sensation with an enthusiastic following, including a parody Twitter account that amassed over 130,000 followers. Her appearances along the Jersey Shore—most notably swimming near Ocean City and Cape May—added a quirky charm to the summer season. In 2015, her whereabouts reflected a burgeoning fascination with sharks rather than fear. She was recorded close to Lavallette’s Normandy Beach, provoking excitement rather than dread.
For three consecutive summers, Mary Lee visited New Jersey’s coastlines, coming as close as 40 miles to Atlantic City in 2016 and catching sight off Wildwood in 2017, where locals welcomed her presence. This warm reception represented a stark contrast to the fear that had once gripped the region due to similar encounters a century prior and the haunting imagery brought to life by the film “Jaws.”
However, the public’s fascination turned to uncertainty when Mary Lee’s tracking device stopped pinging on June 17, 2017. Despite speculation, she remains an enigma, leaving many wondering about her current whereabouts.
The legacy of Mary Lee and the terror of 1916 highlight the evolving relationship between humans and sharks. The fear of the unknown, which once kept beachgoers on the shore, has transformed into a curiosity and respect for these magnificent creatures.
As the summer season unfolds, beachgoers can find reassurance in the growing understanding of marine life. Engaging with the ocean, while still mindful of its mysteries, invites a healthy balance between adventure and caution. As inquiries linger regarding Mary Lee’s fate, one can still find joy and safety in the surf and sand of this beloved Jersey Shore.
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