A rare shark sighting in Jersey's St Ouen's Bay has prompted lifeguards to close the beach to summer holiday crowds as a precaution.
The beach was closed after a swimmer reported seeing a large shark in the water, described as being "darkish grey, about 10 to 12 feet long." Despite an initial skepticism from lifeguards, subsequent calls from nearby beachgoers confirmed the sighting, leading to the decision to red flag the beach.
The species of the shark remains unidentified, but experts say it is unlikely to be a Great White, given the lack of a clear dorsal fin sighting. Wildlife campaigner Richard Peirce suggests that a basking shark, which is harmless to humans, could have been responsible for the sighting.
Basking sharks, the second-largest living shark, are known to inhabit the North Atlantic waters around the British Isles and can grow up to 33 feet in length. They feed on plankton and are not a threat to humans.
Peirce argues that the lifeguard who made the decision to close the beach acted sensibly, given the potential for panic among beachgoers. He emphasizes that sharks are under threat from humans, with an estimated 100 million sharks dying each year due to overfishing and human activities.
Shark scientist Tom Hird notes that Great Whites are constantly on the move, following food sources, and could potentially swim around the UK in a matter of days. While there have been no further sightings since the initial report, the incident serves as a reminder of the presence of sharks in British waters.
The beach was reopened after a 45-minute closure, with no further signs of the shark. The incident highlights the importance of caution and vigilance in the face of potential shark sightings.
Experts stress that sharks are not a significant threat to human safety, with an estimated 10 people killed by sharks worldwide each year. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and respect for these marine animals.
