The incident of a woman being bitten by a shark near the UK coastline was shocking, marking the first such occurrence in nearly two centuries. On July 28, 2022, while snorkeling near Penzance harbour in Cornwall, the woman was bitten severely on the leg by a blue shark.
Blue sharks are commonly found in UK waters from June to October, especially off the South West coast of England, typically more than ten miles offshore. According to the Wildlife Trust, these sharks, which can grow to ten to 13 feet in length, primarily feed on small fish and squid.
Although not typically aggressive, these marine animals are known for their inquisitive nature and often approach swimmers and divers out of curiosity. This behavior could explain the unprecedented shark attack in British waters, the first since 1847.
Marine biologist and shark expert Kristian Parton has provided his insights on the 2022 event, exploring potential reasons for the unusual attack in Cornwall, where he resides. As a dedicated advocate for shark and ray conservation with five years of global research experience, Kristian has thoroughly examined the incident in a recent YouTube video. Having participated in a similar snorkeling tour, he has a clear understanding of the operations and expected behavior of those involved in such activities.
Using information from reliable sources, the shark expert reconstructed the events leading to the woman being seriously bitten on her leg. He explained that the water conditions were suboptimal, with choppy waters and poor visibility, which are common in Cornwall.
Despite these challenging conditions, the snorkeling trip proceeded. Such conditions increase the risk of shark encounters, as clear visibility and calm seas are crucial for safe interactions. While poor visibility doesn’t guarantee an attack, it does elevate the risk.
Kristian noted that there were multiple swimmers in the water during the incident, which is generally safe with proper oversight and ideal conditions. However, he emphasized that monitoring safety becomes more challenging with more people in the water, suggesting a limit of four people at a time.
He also mentioned that the woman’s injury was high on her thigh, based on the accounts he received. Kristian’s analysis highlights the importance of safety measures and vigilant monitoring during marine activities, particularly in unpredictable environments.
The shark expert dismissed the idea that m*nstrual blo*d or urine attracted the blue shark, considering it unlikely that these factors influenced the attack. He suggested that the bite might have been due to the shark’s curiosity, given the close proximity.
Analyzing a video, he noted that the woman had issues with her fins, which caused blisters. After removing them and re-entering the water, the risk of an encounter increased significantly. Without fins, a swimmer’s movements become more erratic, creating splashes that can attract curious sharks.
Kristian emphasized that swimming without fins in poor visibility and crowded waters is unwise, as blue sharks often approach closely. He believes the incident was an accident and noted that it has likely led to increased awareness and safety measures. He mentioned efforts to establish a snorkeling code of conduct for blue shark encounters, including strict guidelines on the number of swimmers and proper equipment usage.