Latest news with #ISAF
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How can you avoid being bitten by a shark? What to know before swimming in Florida waters
With the anniversary of the most iconic shark flick coming up this month, some might be worried about accidentally making their own "Jaws" when heading to the beach this summer. June 20 will mark the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster 'Jaws," inspiring an entire generation to fear these overlarge fish, particularly great white sharks. For decades, scientists have stressed that shark attacks are considered very rare and the stereotypic characterizations of sharks in media are often filled with misinformation. An annual report by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) shows 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 14 in Florida. According to Tracking Shark, there have been three total shark attacks in the U.S. this year, with one involving a 12-year-old boy in Cocoa Beach, Florida. However, officials later said the laceration on his knee may have been caused by the fin of his surfboard instead of a shark. Florida has one of the largest year-round concentrations of sharks. Scientific data from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission shows that many shark species migrate in and out of Florida's waters each year. Here's how you can keep your family and yourself safe when visiting the state's beaches this summer (or anytime). Sharks usually stay within a range of 60-100 feet from shore; however, Florida Museum of Natural History research has found that most shark attacks occur within 6 to 10 feet of land. According to the International Shark Attack File, a worldwide database of shark attacks, September has the most frequent unprovoked attacks by sharks on Florida beaches. Since 1926, roughly 17% of unprovoked shark attacks in Florida have happened in September. According to ISAF, the county with the most shark attacks in the state is Volusia County, which is the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World' and home to beaches like Daytona, New Smyrna and Ormond Beach. The ISAF says the shark species responsible for most unprovoked bites on humans are the white, tiger and bull. However, the University of Florida notes that all sharks, regardless of size, are predators and could be capable of inflicting wounds if provoked. The FWC's guide to sharing the water with sharks says there's no surefire way to avoid a shark bite, but you can reduce your chances of being bitten. Most recorded shark bites are unprovoked, according to ISAF. 'Every year, millions of tourists and residents visit Florida's beaches and waterways, and these beaches and waterways will more than likely contain sharks,' the FWC says. 'According to experts, while there are no guaranteed ways to avoid shark bites, understanding shark behavior could help you make better decisions on when and where to swim.' Of the 88 shark-human interactions that ISAF investigated in 2024, 47 were unprovoked and 24 were provoked. The other 17 cases included boat bites, a shark-inflicted post-mortem bite ('scavenge') and several others were unassigned or classified as 'unconfirmed.' ISAF defines unprovoked bites as incidents where a human who didn't interact with or provoke a shark was bitten. According to ISAF, provoked bites include 'instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, bites on spearfisherman, bites on people attempting to feed sharks, bites occurring while unhooking or removing a shark from a fishing net and so forth.' Stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual. Don't wander too far from shore, which isolates you and places you far away from assistance. Avoid being in the water in the dark or during twilight hours, when sharks are most active. Don't get in the water if you're bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's ability to smell blood is acute. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water. When light reflects off of shiny jewelry – especially under the water – it resembles the sheen of fish scales and might make you look like shark food. Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing – especially if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fish, are good indicators. While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins doesn't mean there aren't sharks in the water – both often eat the same foods. Use extra caution when the water looks murky. Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing or swimsuits could draw a shark's attention. Try not to splash and thrash around in the water, as this may draw a shark's attention. Don't allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark's attention. Be careful when swimming in the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs are some of the sharks' favorite places to hang out. Swim only on beaches with lifeguards on duty. Don't get in the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted. Never harass a shark. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shark bites in Florida: How many attacks happened in 2024? See tips
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What month are sharks most active in Florida? What to know about shark bite season
You're 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning than be bitten by a shark in Florida, according to the Florida FWC, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. There's actually no beach in Florida where it's impossible to come across a shark in the water. The Sunshine State is home to the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World," and to 13 different species of sharks who use Florida waters as nursery grounds for their "pups" (shark babies). Although shark attacks are rare, they still happen every year in Florida's oceans, particularly when the beaches are crowded in the summer. And it's officially "shark bite season" — the time of year when shark activity in Florida waters is at its peak. Last year, 30% of the recorded unprovoked shark bites in the world were in Florida. Here's what months sharks are most active in Florida oceans, where the most shark bites happen in the state and safety tips for reducing your chance of a shark bite while swimming in Florida. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 'shark activity is at its peak in Florida waters during April through October, which coincidentally, is also the time period that humans are more likely to be in the water.' 'Sharks typically move inshore and north in the spring and summer, and offshore and south in fall and winter months.' Shark tooth hunting: See the best beaches in Florida for finding shark teeth in the sand The only scientifically-verified source of its kind in the world, the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) is a worldwide database of shark attacks, and is kept by the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, Florida. "The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) is the world's only scientifically documented, comprehensive database of all known shark attacks," the ISAF website says. "Initiated in 1958, there are now more than 6,800 individual investigations covering the period from the early 1500s to the present." According to the ISAF, the county with the most shark attacks in the state is Volusia County, which is the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World' and home to beaches like Daytona, New Smyrna and Ormond Beach. The FWC's guide to sharing the water with sharks says that there's no surefire way to avoid a shark bite, but you can reduce your chances of being bitten. Most recorded shark bites are actually unprovoked, according to ISAF. 'Every year, millions of tourists and residents visit Florida's beaches and waterways, and these beaches and waterways will more than likely contain sharks,' the FWC says. 'According to experts, while there are no guaranteed ways to avoid shark bites, understanding shark behavior could help you make better decisions on when and where to swim.' Of the 88 shark-human interactions that ISAF investigated in 2024, 47 were unprovoked and 24 were provoked. The other 17 cases included boat bites, a shark-inflicted post-mortem bite ('scavenge') and several others were unassigned or classified as 'unconfirmed.' ISAF defines unprovoked bites as incidents where a human who didn't interact with or provoke a shark was bitten. According to ISAF, provoked bites include 'instances when divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, bites on spearfisherman, bites on people attempting to feed sharks, bites occurring while unhooking or removing a shark from a fishing net and so forth.' Here are some tips to reduce your chances of being bitten by a shark, from the FWC: Stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual. Don't wander too far from shore, which isolates you and places you far away from assistance. Avoid being in the water in the dark or during twilight hours, when sharks are most active. Don't get in the water if you're bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating. A shark's ability to smell blood is acute. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry in the water. When light reflects off of shiny jewelry – especially under the water – it resembles the sheen of fish scales and might make you look like shark food. Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing – especially if there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds, which frequently feed on bait fish, are good indicators. While there are myths and anecdotes about dolphins saving humans from shark bites, the presence of dolphins doesn't mean there aren't sharks in the water – both often eat the same foods. Use extra caution when the water looks murky. Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing or swimsuits could draw a shark's attention. Try not to splash and thrash around in the water, as this may draw a shark's attention. Don't allow pets in the water: their erratic movements may draw a shark's attention. Be careful when swimming in the area between sandbars or near steep drop-offs-these are some of sharks' favorite places to hang out. Swim only on beaches with lifeguards on duty. Don't get in the water if sharks are known to be present, and get out of the water if sharks are sighted. Never harass a shark. How can you avoid a shark bite? What to know before swimming in Florida waters Volusia County's 47 miles of beach have seen 359 recorded unprovoked shark attacks from 1882 through present day, according to the ISAF. From 2012 to 2021, there were 94 shark bites recorded in Volusia County. In 2024, Volusia County represented 57% of the shark bites in Florida that year, up from 50% in 2023. Of the 14 shark bites that took place in Florida last year, eight were in Volusia. "Florida's 14 cases represent 50% of the U.S. total and 30% of unprovoked bites worldwide. This is lower than Florida's most recent five-year annual average of 19 incidents," ISAF says. Volusia's shark bite count of eight bites last year was also slightly lower than the average of nine each year. "Of the six remaining bites, two were in Walton County, and one each occurred in the Martin, Brevard, St. Johns and Indian River counties," ISAF says. None of the 14 shark bite cases in Florida last year were fatal. Here are the top 10 Florida counties with the most recorded shark bites and how many bites have occurred in each county since 1882, according to ISAF: Volusia County, 359 Brevard, 159 Palm Beach, 83 Duval, 46 St. Johns, 46 Martin, 42 St. Lucie, 39 Indian River, 23 Monroe, 21 Miami-Dade, 20 Here are the Florida counties with the least recorded shark bites and how many bites have occurred in each county since 1882, according to ISAF: Santa Rosa, 1 Charlotte, 1 Franklin, 2 Gulf, 2 Walton, 3 Okaloosa, 4 Manatee, 5 Flagler, 6 Escambia, 7 Sarasota, 7 According to the FWC, sharks are most active at night and the twilight hours (right before sunrise and right after sunset). This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shark attacks in Florida: Safety tips to know before you swim
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Straits Times
Four Czech troops to stand trial over 2018 death of Afghan soldier
PRAGUE - Four Czech soldiers will face trial for alleged crimes related to the death of an Afghan soldier after he was detained and interrogated in 2018, Czech prosecutors said on Tuesday. The Czech state attorney's office said in a statement that four members of the 601st special operations forces group would stand trial on charges including extortion, insubordination, violation of guard duty obligations and failure to provide aid. It did not identify the four, who could face life sentences if convicted. The Czech Defence Ministry declined to comment to Reuters. An attorney representing three of the accused was not immediately available for comment. Czech public radio reported on its website that the accusations relate to the death of 19-year old Wahidullah Khan after he was detained by Afghan forces over an attack on troops at the Shindand base in western Afghanistan in 2018 in which one Czech soldier was killed and two injured. The New York Times first reported the incident in 2018. It said Khan had been beaten after being taken into custody by U.S. and Czech troops, was unconscious when he was returned to Afghan troops the same day and died shortly afterwards. It said U.S. and Czech troops were being investigated over the incident. The Czech army operated in Afghanistan from 2002 until 2021. Its troops were deployed there as part of the U.N.-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) set up to assist the Afghan government in securing the country and training Afghan National Security Forces. Czech troops were also part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission established after ISAF was disbanded. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
22-04-2025
- Reuters
Four Czech troops to stand trial over 2018 death of Afghan soldier
PRAGUE, April 22 (Reuters) - Four Czech soldiers will face trial for alleged crimes related to the death of an Afghan soldier after he was detained and interrogated in 2018, Czech prosecutors said on Tuesday. The Czech state attorney's office said in a statement that four members of the 601st special operations forces group would stand trial on charges including extortion, insubordination, violation of guard duty obligations and failure to provide aid. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. It did not identify the four, who could face life sentences if convicted. The Czech Defence Ministry declined to comment to Reuters. An attorney representing three of the accused was not immediately available for comment. Czech public radio reported on its website that the accusations relate to the death of 19-year old Wahidullah Khan after he was detained by Afghan forces over an attack on troops at the Shindand base in western Afghanistan in 2018 in which one Czech soldier was killed and two injured. The New York Times first reported the incident in 2018. It said Khan had been beaten after being taken into custody by U.S. and Czech troops, was unconscious when he was returned to Afghan troops the same day and died shortly afterwards. It said U.S. and Czech troops were being investigated over the incident. The Czech army operated in Afghanistan from 2002 until 2021. Its troops were deployed there as part of the U.N.-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) set up to assist the Afghan government in securing the country and training Afghan National Security Forces. Czech troops were also part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission established after ISAF was disbanded.
Gulf Today
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Has America first become America alone?
Article 5 of the NATO treaty is the bedrock of the alliance: It is the pledge that an attack on one is an attack on all. It created a single security space among the democratic nations in North America and Europe. The concept of a one-for-all, indivisible security across the North Atlantic has been remarkably successful in deterring attacks against NATO members. While the US created the alliance in 1949 primarily to protect Europe from aggression, Article 5 has been invoked only once, to respond to aggression against the US. On Sept. 12, 2001, Canada and our European allies pledged to support us after the Sept. 11 attacks by al-Qaeda. The allies followed words with action, setting up a joint International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF. All 32 NATO allies contributed to ISAF. Nearly 1,300 Canadian and European soldiers, along with more than 2,400 Americans, gave their lives in the wake of an attack against the American homeland. On Feb. 12, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a deadly blow to this American commitment to the common security space — and signaled the end of US leadership in facing common security challenges. In a meeting with allies in Brussels, he announced that 'stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe.' Bowing preemptively to Russian demands, he also said Ukrainian membership in NATO was 'not a realistic outcome,' and he ruled out US involvement in a post-conflict peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Hegseth's gut punch to our allies was followed hours later by President Donald Trump's news that the US would begin to negotiate with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, without the participation of European or even Ukrainian representatives. This one-two punch was followed days later by a scolding speech by Vice President JD Vance. He told European leaders in Munich that the biggest threats they faced were not Russia or China, but their own democratic failures. Trump piled on more offensive rhetoric, calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ' dictator' who has done a 'terrible job.' He even suggested that Ukraine, not Russia, was at fault for starting the war. The message could not be clearer to our friends and allies in Europe — after 75 years of shared security, you're on your own. The immediate victim of this policy reversal is Ukraine. Trump wants the war to end, but Ukraine will not enjoy lasting peace without guarantees against further Russian aggression, and our allies know that any security guarantee without the US will be a dead letter. At present, only America's unique military and intelligence capabilities will deter Russia from further aggression. Washington has for decades urged Europeans to build more modern and lethal armed forces, and recent events will no doubt accelerate their efforts. But it will probably take years. Until now, US presidents have always recognised that we gain much with a stake in European security, even as we have spent more. Especially in the event of a conflict, we will need to be able to share intelligence and be interoperable with the world's most advanced militaries and have ready access to forward operating bases, etc. Before this administration, no senior American official would have suggested that the US should take anything but a leadership role in facing a major threat — let alone the greatest land war on the European continent since World War II. Nor would any American official dare suggest publicly that any outside undemocratic power — let alone Russia — could veto a country's membership in NATO. And no US president has ever blamed the victim for an unprovoked invasion, while not breathing a word of criticism for the brutal aggressor. This abrupt end to an effective security arrangement was simply announced, without any process or input from stakeholders. Before initiating changes in security policies, previous administrations would hold discussions inside the interagency community, consult with Congress in hearings and then brief the allies. Trump dispensed with all that. He didn't even give a heads-up to Ukraine and NATO allies that he was calling Putin. And so here we are. We told Europe in effect we won't be there for them as they face a grave military challenge. When the chips were down for us in September 2001, they were there. Will they rise to the occasion when the need arises again? Or will they say, as Hegseth did, that 'stark strategic realties' prevent them from doing so? Has 'America first' become America alone?
