A 14-foot hammerhead shark washed ashore at Carolina Beach on Sunday, August 2. The massive animal was first sighted in the surf early Sunday morning before the tide pulled it back out, only for it to return to the beach that afternoon.
Local agencies worked throughout the day to move the shark onto the sand for examination. Researchers from the North Carolina Shark Conservancy attended the scene to record measurements and take tissue samples from the specimen.
While officials noted evidence of past fishing interactions, including a deep cut near the tail fin and a puncture mark by the jaw, they have not determined the cause of death. The researchers described the size of the shark as unusual for the species in this region.
Beachgoers observed the recovery efforts as they took place. Local agencies continue to monitor the area following the incident.