TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Dozens of sharks were spotted near Caladesi Island’s shore chasing fish early Monday morning.
Drone operator John Yanchoris said he was flying near the island around 7 a.m. when he spotted “lots” of blacktip sharks. The sightings come during an active summer with an uptick in shark sightings nationwide, including in Florida.
“This summer has been very active for shark sightings all around the country. This time of year, sharks come in close to shore chasing tarpon and bait fish,” Yanchoris said.
Earlier this month, two men were hospitalized and a 14-year-old was injured in three separate shark attacks at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, which is known as the “shark capital of the world” due to the number of shark attacks occurring at the beach.
All three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there have been 351 unprovoked shark bites reported in Volusia County alone since 1882.
Yanchoris has a YouTube channel where he posts his drone videos.
In the description of his YouTube channel, Yanchoris said he’s a former firefighter who has done drone work for local fire departments, as well as anyone who needs aerial footage of their homes or special events.