A swimmer has been bitten by a blue shark off the coast of Cornwall whereas on a snorkelling journey.
The swimmer wanted assist from emergency companies after struggling a chunk to the leg close to Penzance on Thursday.
Blue Shark Snorkel Journeys, the corporate that organised the tour, mentioned such incidents have been “extraordinarily uncommon” they usually have been “in continued talks with shark consultants” as to what occurred.
Blue sharks go to the UK in the course of the summer season months from the Caribbean, and are identified to primarily feed on small fish and squid, however have been identified to assault seabirds and different small sharks, in line with the Wildlife Trusts.
UK-based charity the Shark Belief says there have been no “unprovoked” shark bites in British waters since 1847, when data started.
“As we all know, these items can occur after we select to work together with wild animals in their very own atmosphere,” Blue Shark Snorkel Journeys mentioned in a press release on its Fb web page.
“The very last thing we wish is to let hypothesis drive the media right into a world of unhealthy press for the sharks, below no fault of their very own.
“We instantly enacted our emergency response plan, with first assist being carried out on the particular person concerned.
“Following recommendation and evaluation from the coastguard, the particular person walked off the boat and acquired additional therapy ashore.”
The agency additionally shared a press release from the sufferer, who mentioned: “Regardless of how the journey ended, it was superb to see such majestic creatures within the wild and I don’t for a second need this freak occasion to tarnish the popularity of an already persecuted species.
“Wished to thank everybody for his or her superb actions. What was a really scary incident was made a lot simpler by the kindness and quietness of the folks round me.”
HM Coastguard mentioned in a press release: “HM Coastguard despatched Penzance Coastguard Rescue Staff to satisfy a snorkeler who suffered a suspected shark chunk.
“The coastguard was notified simply earlier than 12.30pm on Thursday. It’s believed the swimmer suffered a leg damage.
“The coastguard workforce met the casualty at Penzance harbour to help with passing them into the care of the ambulance service.”
