A PHOTO of a “great white shark” just yards off the coast of a popular beach has been debunked.
Photos believed to be of the ocean predator were captured by 42-year-old web designer James Venn while he stood on the beach in Goring.
James, who lives locally, spotted a distinctive triangular fin in the water on the afternoon of February 4.
He said he spotted the shark close to where a man had been surfing just moments before.
But it seems that it is safe for swimmers to return to sea after Littlehampton Harbour, at the mouth of the River Arun, appeared to confirm that it was not a fin after all.
A spokesman for the leisure and commercial harbour said: “They say never let the truth ruin a good story, but before anyone else gets carried away about the ‘great white shark fin’ recently spotted off Ferring.
“That’s actually the end of a Ferring Outfall pipe, which is a known hazard at low water marked by the Cardinal Buoy visible in the background of the photo.
"Please note it is not our intention to dispute the experience of any genuine experts looking at the photo."
However, James sent the images to experienced shark fisherman Graeme Pullen, who said that it was "an undisputed shark".
At the time James said: “I went down to the beach to feed the birds when I saw something come up just behind the waves.
- SEE ALSO: The types of sharks found in UK waters
"I couldn't make out what it was so I followed it along the shore.
"It then surfaced so I ran to grab my camera and looked out to try and see it again before taking the photos.
"At the time I thought it was a seal but, when I looked at the photos again, I thought it doesn't look like a seal so it was something else."
Shark exert Graeme, 70, said earlier this week that, due to the size and distinctive triangular shape of the dorsal fin, it could only be a mako, a large mackerel shark, or a small great white shark.
However, he ruled out the former due to the cold temperature of the water.
Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
You can also call us on 01273 021 400.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel