Stunning Video Shows Massive 20-Foot Shark Swimming In Pond

A 20-foot basking shark was spotted in the Great Salt Pond near Block Island, Rhode Island, on Monday (May 26), leaving onlookers amazed. The sighting occurred on Memorial Day when Jennifer Seebeck noticed a large dorsal fin while dining at Dead Eye Dick's restaurant. She captured footage of the shark swimming near the surface, which quickly went viral after the Atlantic Shark Institute shared it on social media.

The institute described the scene as reminiscent of a moment from 'Jaws' and noted that the shark's presence marked the start of the 2025 summer season. The director of the Atlantic Shark Institute, Jon Dodd, identified the animal as a basking shark, the second-largest fish species after the whale shark. He emphasized that basking sharks are harmless filter-feeders that consume plankton.

According to Dodd, basking sharks are common in Rhode Island's waters during the summer months as they prefer cooler temperatures. He explained that the shark likely ended up in the pond by mistake while exploring the area. The shark is believed to have left the pond a day after being spotted.