Was a great white shark to blame for Cape Cod attack?

Steve McFadden, 49, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., gazes at Long Nook Beach in Truro, Mass., on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/William J. Kole)

TRURO, Mass. -- Massachusetts' leading shark expert is trying to determine if the first person to be attacked in waters off the state since 2012 was bitten by a great white shark.

State marine fisheries senior biologist Greg Skomal will try to confirm if the 61-year-old victim's wounds are consistent with that kind of bite.

Authorities identified him Thursday as William Lytton, of Scarsdale, New York. He survived Wednesday's afternoon's attack off Long Nook Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Cod.

Authorities say Lytton was bitten while standing about 30 yards offshore. He was airlifted to a Boston hospital.

Officials ordered the beach closed, and witnesses reported seeing seals in the water just before the attack.

Numerous shark sightings have been reported in the area this summer, including several involving great whites.