Drone Spots Massive Great White Off Maine Beaches

Dear drone lovers, get ready for a jaws-dropping tale from Maine’s coast! A massive 10-12 foot great white shark was caught cruising near popular beaches like Higgins and Scarborough, all thanks to a sharp-eyed drone pilot and was reported by Usa Today. Scarborough police dropped a warning after drone footage showed the beast lurking off Richmond Island on August 11, 2025. No attacks, but it’s got swimmers on edge. Let’s dive into this fin-tastic story and why drones are changing the shark game!

Eagle-Eyed Drone Catches the Apex Predator

Picture this: sunny Maine shores, folks chilling at Higgins Beach and Pine Point, when bam—a drone buzzes over and spots a 10-12 foot great white shark gliding like a boss. Scarborough’s marine resource officer, Daryen Granata, nabbed the footage after a tip-off, showing the shark near Richmond Island, just a stone’s throw from Portland. USA TODAY snagged the video, and it’s pure adrenaline—watch that fin slice the waves!

No incidents yet, but police are yelling “stay alert!” from the rooftops. This beast’s been circling the area multiple times, prompting extra caution. Great whites, those torpedo-shaped kings of the sea, munch on fish, seals, and whales, and can leap like dolphins on steroids. In Maine’s temperate waters, they’re seasonal visitors, but sightings like this remind us: the ocean’s their turf.

Drones: The New Lifeguards of the Sea

Forget binoculars—drones are the MVPs for shark spotting. This Maine footage proves how our flying friends give a bird’s-eye view that beats old-school patrols. With thermal cams and high-res zoom, drones like DJI Mavics can track sharks without disturbing the peace. It’s safer for spotters and swimmers, cutting down on false alarms and beach closures.

Maine’s not alone—shark sightings popped up near Bailey Island last month, triggering flags at Cedar Beach. USA TODAY notes no U.S. attacks in Maine this year, but Florida’s seen over half of the dozen nationwide. Drones help reduce risks: no swimming at dawn/dusk, skip shiny jewelry (sharks love bling), and avoid splashing like a wounded fish. For us DJI nerds, it’s thrilling—our toys are saving lives, one flight at a time.

Shoutout to Joanna Steidle: Drone Queen of the Seas

And speaking of drone pros, let’s tip our caps to Joanna Steidle (@hamptonsdrone), a true legend in sea photography with drones. This gal’s our friend at DroneXL.co, and she’s probably one of the world’s top expert on capturing ocean wonders from above. Joanna just snagged the award for best international aerial photographer this year—boom!—and she’s a proud DJI ambassador, rocking their gear to nab epic shark shots.

Her X feed’s a goldmine of fin-tastic footage, showing great whites and ocean magic that makes your jaw drop. Joanna’s work highlights how drones like the Mavic series turn shark spotting into art, blending safety with stunning visuals.

If you’re into coastal drone vibes, follow her—she’s the real deal, proving women rule the skies too.

Why This Matters for Drone Fans

This Maine shark saga’s a wake-up call for us drone heads. Great whites are apex predators, cruising worldwide from Maine to Hawaii, but drones give us the edge to coexist safely. No attacks here, but with 12 U.S. incidents this year (none fatal), vigilance is key. Drones aren’t just our hobby—they’re tools for marine research, spotting threats, and capturing nature’s raw power.

As Joanna Steidle shows, pros are pushing boundaries, and we can too—fly smart, respect wildlife, and maybe snag your own ocean epic. From avalanche control to cartel hunts, drones are everywhere, but this shark spot’s pure thrill. So, next time you’re out with your DJI, channel that Maine vibe: stay high, stay safe, and keep an eye out for fins. Comment what you think about this story amigos, and let’s keep the drone world buzzing!

Photographs courtesy of USA TODAY and Joanna Steidle