Massive 14-foot great white shark captured near North Carolina’s outer banks — Watch video here

Contender, the Largest Tagged Male Great White, Swims Near North Carolina (Image: Canva)

Just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras, a massive shadow moved. It wasn’t a submarine or a ghost ship — it was Contender, the largest male great white shark ever tagged by marine researchers at OCEARCH.

Tracked near Outer Banks waters

Contender, nearly 14 feet long, is now swimming north along the Atlantic coast. He was initially tagged on 17 January 2025, some 45 miles outside Jacksonville, Florida. He has since covered approximately 1,870 miles in 142 days, sailing past Florida's coast and reaching the seas off North Carolina.

This is part of his annual migration, which is common for great whites. They spend winters in southern waters and migrate north in summer. Cooler waters and rich prey near the Outer Banks attract these sharks yearly.

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Every ping offers fresh insight

Each time Contender’s tracker pings, scientists learn more. “This apex predator is making moves along the coast,” OCEARCH shared on social media. They described him as the “ultimate ocean warrior,” offering vital clues about great white behaviour in the Atlantic.

The real-time tracking is done through OCEARCH’s public platform. His tag is expected to transmit for up to five years. These regular updates, or “pings,” are helping scientists better understand and protect the species.

OCEARCH researchers say studying sharks like Contender is essential. As he moves northward, he brings with him valuable data about migration, feeding grounds, and survival patterns — all crucial to ensuring these ocean giants remain safe and understood.

Just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras, a massive shadow moved. It wasn’t a submarine or a ghost ship — it was Contender, the largest male great white shark ever tagged by marine researchers at OCEARCH.

Tracked near Outer Banks waters

Contender, nearly 14 feet long, is now swimming north along the Atlantic coast. He was first tagged on 17 January 2025, about 45 miles from Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, he has travelled roughly 1,870 miles over 142 days, passing Florida’s shores and reaching the waters off North Carolina.

This movement is part of his seasonal migration, typical for great whites. They spend winters in southern waters and migrate north in summer. Cooler waters and rich prey near the Outer Banks attract these sharks yearly.

Every ping offers fresh insight

Each time Contender’s tracker pings, scientists learn more. “This apex predator is making moves along the coast,” OCEARCH shared on social media. They described him as the “ultimate ocean warrior,” offering vital clues about great white behaviour in the Atlantic.

The real-time tracking is done through OCEARCH’s public platform. His tag is expected to transmit for up to five years. These regular updates, or “pings,” are helping scientists better understand and protect the species.

OCEARCH researchers say studying sharks like Contender is essential. As he moves northward, he brings with him valuable data about migration, feeding grounds, and survival patterns — all crucial to ensuring these ocean giants remain safe and understood.