Boston Harbor was the scene of an unexpected encounter for local fisherman Thomas Rocci and his friends during a recent fishing trip. While wrapping up a day of striper fishing, the group was astonished to spot a great white shark swimming near their boat.

Close Encounter Captured on Video

Rocci managed to capture the remarkable encounter on video, which shows the shark coming close enough to leave the group in awe. Initially mistaking the fin for that of a sunfish, the group quickly realized they were in the presence of a great white shark. “We’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’s a fin. Like, maybe it’s a sunfish or something,'” Rocci recalled. “Then we pulled up next to it, and we’re like, ‘Yo, that’s not a sunfish, it’s a great white.'”

Increasing Sightings in Boston Harbor

Marine experts have confirmed the authenticity of the video, noting that sightings of great white sharks in Boston Harbor have become more frequent in recent years. These majestic creatures are often found following seal populations, which have also been increasing in the area.

Despite the thrilling encounter, Rocci remains undeterred from his passion for fishing. “We were just kind of in shock,” he said, but he has no plans to stop venturing out onto the water this summer.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.