Video: Trapped 5ft shark spotted in Essex river A shark has been seen swimming in the River Stour, Essex. The creature measures between 4ft and 5ft and appeared to have got caught in the water during low tide. Jody Gibbons was walking along the river near the Cattawade with his father when they spotted the shark as it swam back and forth along the edge. The 27-year-old captured footage of the shark in the shallow water. The short video has since been analysed by experts who say that the shark may be a Starry Smooth-hound.