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Paddle boarder bitten by shark in Canary Islands
The authorities have urged swimmers to remain vigilant following this rare attack in Fuerteventura
A man has been badly injured in the Canary Islands after being bitten by a shark while paddleboarding near Fuerteventura. The attack happened around two miles west of the island, in open waters known for occasional shark sightings but not for aggressive encounters.
According to local sources, the man was out on the water alone when the shark rammed his board and left him with a deep wound to the leg. Despite the injury, he managed to get out of the water by himself and was later treated by the emergency services.
The area where the attack occurred is home to several shark species, including hammerheads and angel sharks. While their presence is not unusual, attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Even so, the authorities have issued a general warning to swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to be cautious when venturing far from the shore.
This is the latest in a string of unusual incidents involving marine life around Spain. Earlier this week, an elderly Italian woman was badly bitten on the calf while swimming at Playa de Palma in Mallorca. Experts are still debating what kind of animal was responsible for that attack, with theories ranging from bluefish to triggerfish. Shark involvement has not been ruled out entirely.
According to data from the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File, six shark attacks had been recorded in the Canary Islands as of June this year.
The total number of confirmed shark attacks in Spain now stands at 13, with the only fatal case occurring more than a century ago in the Balearic Islands.
Marine biologists continue to stress how rare such incidents are. Most sharks found in Spanish waters are not considered dangerous and serious bites remain exceptional.
Even so, the recent attacks have sparked fresh debate about changing ocean temperatures and how they may be influencing marine behaviour close to popular beaches.
Image: ResearchGate
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