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Terrifying shark sighting clears Alicante beach
The red flag was hastily raised on Playa Deveses in Dénia to keep swimmers out of the water
Beachgoers enjoying the last day of summer on Dénia’s Playa Deveses were treated to an unexpected and rather terrifying sight on Sunday September 22 – a rare blue shark swimming in the waters just off the shore.
As swimmers scrambled from the sea, lifeguards quickly raised a red flag to prevent any unsuspecting bathers from returning to the water.
The blue shark is a species that can grow to an impressive four metres in length, although they most typically reach around two metres. Its distinctive pointed snout sets it apart from other shark species.
Despite its fearsome appearance, the blue shark is not a threat to humans, as it feeds primarily on molluscs, small fish and cephalopods.
This isn't the first time a blue shark has been spotted in the province of Alicante this year. In May, a boat off the coast of Altea discovered a massive blue shark, measuring 4.61 metres in length, unfortunately deceased. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of local authorities, the Town Hall and the port of Altea, the shark was towed to shore and is currently being studied.
Most residents and visitors to Spain are well aware that we share the seas with a variety of marine creatures, including several shark species, but they rarely cause too much disruption. However, just last week, a German tourist died as a result of a shark attack some 514 kilometres off the coast of the Canary Islands, close to Morocco.
The tourist was sailing aboard a British-flagged yacht when the shark attacked, biting off her leg. She was airlifted to the Doctor Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria but sadly went into cardiac arrest and died on the journey.
In other news: The beaches in Spain where you are likely to spot a shark
Image: Freepik
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