Mysterious 12-Foot Shark Washes Ashore in Scotland, Baffling Scientists

On November 3rd, 2025, a massive 12-foot (4.38 metre) basking shark was discovered washed up on the beach at Portgordon, Moray, near Inverness, Scotland. The juvenile shark, which could have grown to be twice as large, was found dead, leaving scientists baffled.

According to marine biologist Dr. Lauren Smith, the cause of the shark's death has not been confirmed, but plastic pollution is a potential factor. Despite the shark's substantial size, it appeared to be in overall good condition, with signs that it had been feeding recently. However, the experts say that Scotland's shark populations are facing increasing pressures from various sources, including the buildup of microplastics in the ocean.

This incident marks the third shark beaching in the region within just a few weeks. In October, a nine-foot (2.74 metre) blue shark was found on the beach in Shetland, and a rare six-foot (1.82 metre) porbeagle shark washed up on the rocks in Wick, near John O'Groats. While the experts believe these deaths are likely unrelated, they highlight the growing concerns about the declining shark populations in Scottish waters.

Basking sharks, which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are known to gather off Scotland's coasts between May and October to feed on plankton. However, researchers have reported a "worrying" fall in the number of basking shark sightings in recent years, with accounts reaching their lowest levels on record in 2020.