An unusual event took place on one of the most popular beaches in the south of France: an “abnormal” shark – as the expert called it – swam close to the shore and ran aground. In this regard, tourists were forbidden to approach the dangerous animal. The Express newspaper reported the details.
The massive two-meter predator frightened and at the same time attracted the attention of vacationers and local fishermen. The director of the Aire Marine National Marine Reserve, who arrived on the scene after the shark was spotted, said that they had never seen this type of mako shark in the Mediterranean before and believed that the unusual creature was definitely “anomalous” and may be in an unhealthy condition
Although the shark was stuck in shallow water – at a depth of only 30 centimeters – tourists and residents were advised to keep a safe distance for two reasons: firstly, it had nothing to stop it from opening its mouth and biting off the leg or hand of curious swimmers, and secondly, the predator could be contagious. Renaud Dupuis de la Grandrivé, director of the Côte-Agatoise Marine Protected Area, who immediately arrived on the beach, explained: “The shark had no signs of fishing or collision with the propeller. Probably, this may be related to some disease, so it is not recommended to touch the animal in such a situation.”
However, the warning did not stop everyone. Several intrepid residents tried to move the animal from the beach back into the water. “I entered the water and took her by the tail to try to pull her back into the sea,” said one of them. In addition, he said he was “careful because she has impressive teeth” and “the predator’s defensive reflex can be unexpected,” especially when “you’re dealing with a mako shark,” one of the fastest sharks in the world. Instead, the man was surprised to see an individual of this size on the beach where he comes to swim every day.
An indifferent vacationer and his “colleagues” sent the creature to the depths “five or six times”, but each time it returned to the shore. Unfortunately, by the time experts from the Côte-Agatoise Marine Protected Area arrived, the shark had died on the sand. In this regard, the interlocutor noted: “My heart sank, I tried to save her.”
The mako shark is an endangered species
Although the mako shark is extremely dangerous to humans, the International Union for Conservation of Nature urged tourists to remember that it is endangered due to illegal fishing for meat and is an important part of the ecosystem.
The species is known for its grace and maneuverability when hunting its prey. The speed that a mako can develop is about 72 kilometers per hour. These predators can chase their prey at high speeds and make impressive jumps from the water. Adults usually reach a length of 2.5 to 4 meters, although larger representatives have been found in history.