A stunning video captured the presence of a large shark, resembling a great white, at a popular holiday destination. Sailors participating in a race in the Bay of Palma, Spain, were surprised by the appearance of this massive fish. Initially believed to be a mako shark due to its speed capabilities, further analysis by marine biologist Gader Muntaner suggested it was a baby great white.
Earlier in the year, Spanish scientists confirmed the sighting of a baby great white shark caught unintentionally near Alicante on the Costa Blanca. Measuring nearly seven feet in length and weighing between 80 and 90 kilos, the shark spotted in the Bay of Palma was estimated to be around 8 feet 2 inches based on observations by Jacopo Rena.
Gader stated, “From its physical features, coloration, fin structure, and behavior, all signs point towards it being a baby great white.” While expressing hope for the recovery of shark populations in the Mediterranean, she emphasized that the sighting was not indicative of full recovery yet.
The recent shark sighting during the 55th SAR Princess Sophia Trophy off Majorca occurred amidst a prestigious sailing event, attracting numerous boats and sailors. The confirmed sighting of a baby great white off the Costa Blanca marked a rare event in Spanish waters, where great white sharks are critically endangered due to a significant population decline attributed in part to illegal fishing practices.
Incidents involving sharks along the Costa beaches in recent years have mostly involved blue sharks or tintoreras, with a tintorera being responsible for an attack on a holidaymaker in Elche in 2016. These species have also been spotted near various Spanish beaches, raising concerns about their proximity to swimmers.
