Three beaches in Gran Canaria have been closed due to shark sightings, sparking alarm among locals and tourists.
The initial alert occurred Saturday at Melenara Beach when rescue professionals spotted a large shark near the shore, prompting an immediate ban on swimming.
Subsequent drone searches confirmed the shark’s presence, leading to the closure of Melenara, Salinetas, and San Agustín beaches.
Avistamiento de escualo.
La unidad de drones vigila el litoral. pic.twitter.com/O9RIP5hF0V— Policía Local Telde (@PoliciaTelde) June 16, 2024
Local authorities, including the Police and Civil Protection units, coordinated efforts to monitor the area. Despite reopening Melenara on Sunday morning, the beach was closed again after another sighting via drone. A similar alert occurred at San Agustín Beach, leading to its closure after confirmation from Red Cross personnel.
Marine scientist Vicente Benítez Cabrera explains that shark sightings are becoming more common in summer, especially near marine farming cages and schools of sardines. He stresses that there’s no need for panic, as there have been no documented shark attacks in the Canary Islands. The last notable incident was a surfer in Fuerteventura who suffered a bite that couldn’t be confirmed as a shark attack.
The Telde City Council and San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council are monitoring the situation closely. They plan to reopen the beaches once it’s deemed safe. In the meantime, they urge the public to follow safety measures and remain calm.
This precautionary closure is part of efforts to ensure the safety of beachgoers. Authorities emphasize that while the sightings are concerning, there’s no historical evidence of shark attacks in the region. As searches continue, the public is advised to stay informed and heed official guidelines for beach safety.
