Massive shark prowls close to tourists as beach evacuated in British holiday spot
A tourist beach was thrown into chaos as a 6ft 6in close to the shoreline, prompting an immediate evacuation.
Holidaymakers were urged to flee the water after the creature's fin was spotted just a few feet from where people were swimming. Bystanders gathered on the sand, capturing footage of the predator on their mobile phones. One local exclaimed: "It's a huge beast."
The shark was estimated to be around 2 metres in length. This comes as news breaks that the world's largest great white shark is "heading toward Nova Scotia", causing concern for tourists.
Lifeguards advised beachgoers to maintain a safe distance while an emergency services boat was swiftly dispatched to the scene, reports the Mirror. The boat crew successfully guided the shark away from the shallow water, where it risked being stranded, and back out to sea.
This dramatic incident occurred at La Reya Beach in Puerto de Mazarrón near Murcia, Spain, last Thursday. Every year, up to 17 million Brits flock to Spain for their summer holidays.
The video clip was posted on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, amassing 940,000 views and thousands of comments, as reported by NeedToKnow.
One local commented, "Between jellyfish and sharks, I've lost all desire to go to the beach."
Jesus noted, "It's a blue shark and does not normally attack humans. I was swimming there in the bay, I turned around and that blue shark appeared next to me," shared Miguel.
Alfred speculated, "It was probably in some kind of trouble, that's why it was swimming around."
Ana added: "I'm not going to Puerto de Mazarrón anymore."
Earlier in 2024, a deceased shark weighing 200kg was washed ashore in Puerto de Mazarrón. Marine specialists suggested local shark encounters might be triggered by powerful currents, confusion, wounds, or the creature hunting for prey.
Throughout the Mediterranean, varieties including the blue shark and dogfish are the most frequently observed sharks. Officials recommended that people should peacefully exit the water upon spotting a shark, and promptly alert lifeguards or emergency services.
This follows after a colossal 15-foot great white shark was caught on camera mere feet from a pier at a popular tourist destination. Carlos Gauna, 45, filmed the sequence on July 31 using his drone. He remarks it's uncommon to witness sharks so near to the coastline and was delighted to document the predator in its natural environment without disturbance.
"I've never seen one that big in the Santa Monica area and into Malibu that close to shore," said Gauna, photographer and owner of Malibu Artists in Ventura County.
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