NATION NOW

A new island has formed off Outer Banks, North Carolina coast

Mary Bowerman
USA TODAY

To the delight of beachgoers and photographers, a new island has formed off the coast of North Carolina's Outer Banks. 

The island, which is off the coast of Cape Point near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is a mile long and three football fields wide, The Virginian Pilot reported. 

Instagram user chadonka posted an aerial image of the new island, which shows just how big it is. 

And while the island is drawing tourists from near and far, Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, told The Virginian Pilot that people should not try to walk or swim across the water that separates the island from the coast. 

Hallac said a rip current about 50 yards wide rushes between the point and the island, The Virginian Pilot reported. 

Furthermore, there could be large fishing hooks at the bottom and there have been reports of large sharks and sting rays in the area, Bill Smith, president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, told The Virginian Pilot. 

Sounds like that Instagram photo may not be worth it!