Beachgoers started running for their lives when they thought they were caught up in a shark attack, when instead it was a pod of beached whales in the water.

Beachgoers fled in terror after thinking they were potential victims of a shark attack (Image: CEN)

The horrified beachgoers were captured on video fleeing in terror from Prainha beach in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil.

A lot of people were screaming in the footage, which was shot on New Year’s Eve, as they made their way out of the beach after seeing the water turn dark from the smashing marine creatures.

Despite initial fears of sharks approaching the shore, scientists have subsequently found that the panicked swimmers were attempting to flee harmless whales.

It was beached whales in the sea, rather than sharks (Image: CEN)

Biologist Marcelo Tardelli told Brazilian media that the species shown in the film was most likely a dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima).

A town hall spokesperson said: “If confirmed, it is the first time this whale has appeared in Arraial and it is considered a rare species, being an important record for science.”

Some believe that the white markings on the whales could be used to distinguish the mammals as harmless hourglass dolphins.

Following the incident, officials visited the beach where they discovered beached whales and concluded that the sea mammals most likely swam back out to sea.

Some witnesses were seen trying to help the stranded mammals, according to footage (Image: CEN)

They confirmed the animals were toothed whales, and several onlookers appeared to be attempting to aid the aquatic creatures in the footage.