An endangered female basking shark was near the surface of the water off the coast of Ireland in April when the keel of a boat cut across her back. Researchers says it's the first such recording.

The basking shark is a massive creature, growing up to 40 feet (12 meters) long, and is among the largest fish in the world — second only to the whale shark. Basking sharks are also endangered.

Basking sharks are up to 30 feet long, and they filter feed on plankton. This stranded 24-foot shark likely weighed around two tons, which is about 4,000 pounds.

Basking shark sighting in Rhode Island. Unlike the titular creature in "Jaws," this shark is no bloodthirsty great white.Atlantic Shark Institute executive director Jon Dodd says this is a basking ...

Basking sharks, which Ireland protects under the country’s Wildlife Act of 2022, feed near the surface similar to whales, which makes them vulnerable to being hit by boats, said Trinity College ...

A 25-foot basking shark has been spotted cruising off the coast of Hampton Beach. Here's what to know about the second largest sharks alive today.