A drone captured dramatic footage of a 10-foot great white shark swimming just feet from several children in the waters off Southern California, alarming a shark researcher who was monitoring the animal from shore.
The footage, recorded by shark observer Carlos Gauna, known online as The Malibu Artist, shows the shark swimming directly toward one child before passing by and circling back for a second approach. The shark eventually swam away without harming anyone.
According to Gauna, the swimmers appeared unaware of the shark’s presence and continued enjoying the water while occasionally waving at the drone overhead.
Gauna said the encounter was one of the few times he had genuinely feared for the swimmers’ safety, noting that the shark had previously been seen approaching people more frequently than others he has observed.
He also said the shark appeared to have injuries to its back and dorsal fin, possibly caused by a boat propeller, and speculated that the wounds may have influenced its behavior, though there is no evidence they made the animal more aggressive.
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The video sparked concern on social media, with many users saying they would immediately leave the water if they noticed a drone hovering overhead.
