A great white shark was observed following two paddleboarders off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, on June 24, 2026. The encounter was captured on drone video, which showed the shark in close proximity to the individuals on their boards.
The footage, shared by ABC News, documented the moment the large marine predator navigated around the paddleboarders. The individuals expressed feelings of terror during the close encounter. The exact size of the shark has not been officially specified, but its presence prompted concern.
This incident occurred in the waters near Santa Barbara, a region known for its marine wildlife. Great white sharks are apex predators and are found in coastal waters worldwide. While encounters are relatively rare, they can be unnerving for those involved.