Crane Beach Closed to Swimming Due to Sharks

Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts, will remain closed to swimming through at least September 30 due to increased sightings of great white sharks in the area. Officials reported six shark sightings in the past week, including a group of five swimming together, which is unusual for the North Shore. Christopher Moore, the beach's property director, emphasized visitor safety as the top priority and stated that the situation would be reassessed regularly. A shark patrol is scheduled for either September 27 or 30, depending on weather conditions. While swimming is prohibited, the beach remains open for walking and hiking, and dog walking will be permitted starting October 1 when shorebird season ends. The unusual number of shark sightings has raised questions among experts, with some suggesting that the sharks may be drawn to the area by the presence of bait fish, rather than seals typically found in Cape Cod waters.