Great White Shark Leaves Cape Cod Lagoon

October 4, 2004

Release from:
Associated Press

FALMOUTH, Mass. - The 15-foot great white shark that patrolled a Cape Cod lagoon for nearly two weeks finally left for open waters Monday.

The 1,700-pound female shark swam through the inlet between Naushon and Monohansett islands and into open ocean early Monday afternoon.

The state's Division of Marine Fisheries had tried for days to coax the shark out of the lagoon, stringing a series of nets and electronic repellant devices in the water.

The shark was first spotted Sept. 21 near Naushon Island, off the southwestern coast of Cape Cod.

Scientists attached an archival satellite tag to the shark's dorsal fin, marking the first time a great white has been outfitted with such a device.

Scores of boaters visited the lagoon to see the shark, prompting officials to cordon off the immediate area in hopes of keeping gawkers at bay for their own safety and the shark's.