Hammerhead sharks off Newport? Jet skiers close encounter.

Hammerhead sharks off Newport are drawing attention after a close encounter involving jet skiers in Rhode Island waters. On Sunday, July 12, a Facebook post by Darren Sen described seeing a large hammerhead shark off Ocean Drive, with the fin above water and the distinctive head just below the surface. Sen said the shark appeared unbothered as he and others tried to avoid scaring it with jet ski wake and sound. The Atlantic Shark Institute’s Jon Dodd said hammerheads have been visiting southern New England for some time, but this summer they are showing up more than usual, including 12 counted west of Block Island on Sunday. Water temperatures in the 60s to 70s and larger baitfish schools may be factors. The International Shark Attack File lists 18 unprovoked hammerhead attacks on humans, none fatal.