Bermuda's latest potential visitor is one you likely don't want to see at the beach — a 2,000lb Great White shark.

Lydia, named after the founder of Bradley University, was tagged early last month in the waters off Jacksonville, Florida by Ocearch researchers. Since late last month, she has moved further from the US coast, and in the last week turned towards Bermuda.

As of yesterday afternoon, the 14ft 6in shark surfaced around 100 miles to the Island's southeast.

Lydia's visit comes two months after another Great White was tracked passing the Island. Mary Lee, a 16ft, 3,456lb female passed miles to the south of Bermuda in February.

Since then, Mary Lee swam as far south as the Bahamas before turning north again. She has remained off the US East Coast, and was last recorded on Wednesday more than 200 miles off the coast of Delaware.

Ian Walker, principal curator at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo said yesterday that it was not unusual for Great White sharks to travel through the Island's waters.

“Great White sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have shown through satellite tag research to migrate great distances, over thousands of miles of open ocean in relatively short time periods.

“They are known to inhabit almost all coastal and offshore waters which have water temperatures between approximately 54F and 75F.”

Asked if it was possible the sharks may use the Island as a landmark when travelling long distances, he said: “There is not sufficient information to say one way or another yet.

“However, through increased worldwide research of this and other species, we are learning more and more about shark behaviour and their critical role in the health of the oceans.”

Useful website: sharks-ocearch.verite.com