Myrtle Beach, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach has become a hotspot for the seasonal migration of great white sharks, including one named Webster, recently tracked off the coast. Weighing over 1,000 pounds, Webster pinged with a signal indicating his migration southward, a common behavior during colder months. Another shark, Contender, showcases the remarkable migratory patterns as well, having traveled from North Carolina to Florida. Marine experts assure the public that despite their presence, great white sharks pose little threat to humans, emphasizing their ecological importance.
Myrtle Beach is currently witnessing the seasonal migration of great white sharks, with the recent ping of a shark named Webster off the coast. The tracking event took place at 10:46 a.m. on October 24, 2025, indicating the shark’s electronic tag had surfaced and sent its location data to researchers. Webster is an adult male weighing 1,008 pounds and measuring over 12 feet long.
This tracking aligns with the natural behavior of great white sharks as they migrate southward during the colder months. Webster was tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, on September 29, 2025, reflecting the patterns of seasonal migration observed among these marine creatures. Named after David Webster, a World War II soldier and shark enthusiast, Webster’s name also honors the legacy of an individual who tragically lost his life at sea.
In addition to Webster, another great white shark known as ‘Contender’ was similarly tracked off Myrtle Beach. Contender weighs 1,653 pounds and stretches over 13 feet, 9 inches long. This shark was tagged on January 25, 2025, and has displayed remarkable range, traveling approximately 1,800 miles from North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound down to Vero Beach, Florida.
Great white sharks are known to frequent the South Carolina coast more during the colder months, which increases the likelihood of sightings as they migrate. Marine science expert Dan Abel reminds the public that most sharks pose little threat to humans. South Carolina is home to various shark species, including dogfish, blacknose, bonnetheads, spiny dogfish, hammerhead, bull, lemon, spinner, tiger, and sand tiger sharks.
Interestingly, despite the presence of these large predators, sharks like Contender rarely venture close to shore, which minimizes interaction with beachgoers. Data from 2024 shows that there were only 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide, with South Carolina reporting just two non-fatal unprovoked shark bites during the same year.
Sharks play an essential role in ocean ecosystems, but many species face threats due to human activities. Therefore, the public is encouraged to view sharks with awe rather than fear, recognizing their importance in maintaining marine health and biodiversity.
In summary, the movement of great white sharks along the East Coast, such as Webster and Contender, highlights the seasonal nature of these marine predators and their critical role within the ocean ecosystem. It also serves as a reminder of the generally low risk they pose to humans.
FAQ
What is the recent tracking update regarding great white sharks in Myrtle Beach?
A great white shark named Webster pinged off the coast of Myrtle Beach at 10:46 a.m. on October 24, 2025. He is an adult male weighing 1,008 pounds and measuring over 12 feet long.
Where was Webster tagged?
Webster was tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, on September 29, 2025.
What is the significance of Webster’s name?
Webster is named after David Webster, a World War II soldier, shark enthusiast, and author of “Myth and Maneater: The Story of the Shark.” David Webster tragically lost his life at sea.
How does this tracking align with seasonal shark migrations?
The timing of Webster’s tracking occurs during the seasonal migration of sharks as they travel south for the winter.
Have other sharks been tracked in the area?
Yes, another great white shark, nicknamed ‘Contender,’ pinged off Myrtle Beach, weighing 1,653 pounds and measuring 13 feet, 9 inches. Contender was tagged on January 25, 2025.
What is known about Contender’s migration?
Contender has traveled around 1,800 miles, visiting as far north as the Pamlico Sound in North Carolina and as far south as Vero Beach, Florida.
Are great white sharks a threat to humans?
Most sharks, including great whites, pose little threat to humans. In 2024, there were only 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide, with South Carolina reporting only two non-fatal unprovoked shark bites.
What species of sharks are commonly found in South Carolina?
Common local shark species include dogfish, blacknose, bonnetheads, spiny dogfish, hammerhead, bull, lemon, spinner, tiger, and sand tiger sharks.
Why are sharks important to ocean ecosystems?
Sharks play a critical role in maintaining ocean health and biodiversity, and many species are threatened due to human activities.
Key Features of Great White Sharks
| Shark Name | Weight | Length | Tagging Date | Tagged Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster | 1,008 pounds | Over 12 feet | September 29, 2025 | Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia |
| Contender | 1,653 pounds | 13 feet, 9 inches | January 25, 2025 | Near the Georgia and Florida state line |
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- WJCL News
- Google Search: Great White Shark Migration
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Shark Attacks South Carolina
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: Great White Sharks
- USA Today
- The Sun
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
