Shocking moment 'great white shark' is spotted near Irish coast by fishermen

This is the shocking moment a ‘great white shark’ was spotted off the coast of Ireland by two fishermen.

John McGloin was fishing off the coast of Connemara in Galway with a friend when he noticed a shark fin approaching their boat.

Footage of the terrifying encounter shows the animal circling the boat for several minutes before swimming away.

Speaking to Galway Beo, Mr McGloin said: “There is no doubt this is a great white shark, about three metres long.

Pictured is a still from a video taken by John McGloin off the coast of Ireland showing what appears to be a great white shark

Footage of the terrifying encounter shows the animal circling the boat for several minutes before swimming away.

John McGloin said there was no doubt the huge shark was a great white shark because of its length.

“The shark was very curious, it circled the boat for a few minutes until it disappeared.

“It wasn’t far from the coast and my friend has spotted a few fins in the last few days in the Galway area, mainly between Spiddal and the Aran Islands.”

No warnings have been issued by health authorities around the Galway coast, but swimmers are advised to remain vigilant for possible shark sightings.

Great white sharks are responsible for the largest number of unprovoked shark attacks on humans, but they remain rare, occurring less than ten times a year worldwide.

They live in almost all coastal and offshore waters that have a relatively warm temperature of 12 to 24 degrees.

Mr McGloin told Galway Beo his friend had seen other “fins” in the water in recent days.

No warnings were issued by health authorities around the Galway coast following the sighting.

The shark was “very curious” and was seen circling the boat for a few minutes until it disappeared

Irish temperatures are in the low range during the summer.

However, some scientists believe sharks are moving north as the Atlantic Ocean warms due to climate change.

Humans are not the great white shark’s preferred prey, although they have been known to bite if anyone gets too close.

Male sharks typically measure between 11 and 13 feet in length, while females measure between 15 and 16 feet.

The Great White is estimated to live to be 70 years old or more.

Connemara is a popular summer destination in Ireland with many people flocking to the beach during the warmer months.

Swimmers are advised to follow the guidelines applicable to Irish waters and to check weather conditions and tide times before setting out.

They should always have a way to call for help and never swim alone.

Parents are advised to keep an eye on their children at all times near water.