Sunbathers Panic As Sharks Arrive At Spanish Beach
This footage shows how sunseekers shrieked in horror as people unknowingly swam just feet away from deadly sharks off a Spanish beach.
Two blue sharks turned up off the coast of Portbou, Catalonia region, at noon on 16th July, according to local media.
Reports told how swimmers rushed to get out of the water after spotting the sharp-toothed carnivores.
While some of them made it to shore, others took refuge on a platform in the sea and had to be taken back to dry land by kayakers.
Despite the panic, no one was reported killed or injured.
After footage of the incident was shared on social media, Portbou mayor Gael Rodrigues stated: “Portbou beach is completely safe.”
He added that blue sharks are often spotted off beaches in the municipality because they are native to the area.
The incident is not the first shark sighting off the Catalan coast this year.
On 23rd June, bathing was prohibited off three beaches in Alcanar due to the presence of two blue sharks.
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) can grow up to 13 feet long and can weigh up to 450 lb.
The species is listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
One netizen commented on the footage: “We shouldn’t fear these creatures. And they often have more fear of us than we have of them! We are in their home.”