VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Nearly 40 people aboard a fishing boat off the coast of Virginia Beach experienced a rare wildlife encounter when they spotted a massive whale shark.
It happened on Friday, July 10 about 18 miles off the coast from Virginia Beach.
The Rudee Tours vessel was carrying 34 passengers and four crew members on a flounder fishing trip when the giant whale shark appeared.
Boat captain Charlie Laurens, a seven-year veteran with the company, said he has seen whales and sharks throughout his career, but never a whale shark…