Originally posted by electricdawn:

I wouldn't call that "close"... but I'm not ruling out that you're right.

I was actually sailing between two islands (well away from any beach) when the "You are being hunted" event triggered. I had wolves swimming after my karve trying to catch me. I felt really sorry for them...

There does not even need to be visible island. If it is not dark blue, it is not an ocean. You can always see on minimap in which biome you currently are.