A Hampshire man says catching a completely white shark off the Isle of Wight was a “the fish of a lifetime, one in a million.” 

Jason Gillespie made the catch while fishing above a wreck site off the Island’s coast last week.

The tope shark, which experts think has a pigmentation deficiency, which means it has lost its usual colouring, was released unharmed after some quick photographs.

The fifty year old shop-fitter says no one has contacted him to say they have caught anything similar in English waters, making it pretty unique.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The shark was returned to the water just after this picture (Image: SWNS)

According to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we shouldn't be scared by this incredible catch.

The organisation says there has never been a recorded unprovoked Tope attack on a human.

In 2018, the Isle of Wight was named the fourth best place in the country for shark spotting.