MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities in Manchester-by-the-Sea are warning the public to be on alert after a “large shark” was spotted in the water near House Island.

A resident reported the sighting on Wednesday, according to Interim Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald and Director of Parks and Recreation Cheryl Marshall.

While residents are still permitted to swim in the area, officials are urging the public to use caution.

“We’re not trying to over-dramatize this sighting either,” Town Administrator Greg Federspiel said. “But, I think it is important to let people know when we do have sightings.”

Most beachgoers say they are unconcerned about the sighting.

“I just heard there was an alert. That there was a shark sighting in Manchester which isn’t very common so, so, I was curious and I came to check it out,” Jocelyn Curran said.

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Harbormaster’s Office is monitoring the situation.

Anyone who spots what they think could be a shark is asked to contact the harbormaster at 978-526-7832 or the police department at 978-526-1212.

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