This does not happen every day in Mallorca: A blue shark has strayed to the beach on the Spanish holiday island. The approximately two-meter-long animal was spotted on Sunday evening by residents and visitors of the municipality of Santanyí on the beach of Cala Llombards, as Mallorcan media reported on Monday. Santanyí, about 50 kilometers southeast of the island's main town, Palma, is particularly popular with German holidaymakers and second home owners.
A woman made video footage published by the media, showing the shark swimming back into the sea under its own power after a short fight. Actually, blue sharks live in deeper waters and are therefore mainly far out in the sea. The sharks that are discovered near the coast are mostly sick animals that stray to the beaches.
Most recently, in June 2017, several shark sightings within a few days off the southwest coast of Mallorca had terrified bathers. One animal – a one-and-a-half-meter-long blue shark – was caught and euthanized by the Spanish Coast Guard at the time. This, in turn, sparked outrage among animal rights activists.
Experts emphasize that beach vacationers do not need to be afraid. When sighting the distinctive dorsal fins, however, they should dial the emergency number so that specialists can help the animals.
Many holidaymakers have already taken advantage of the sunny weather in Mallorca for a swim in the sea in recent days. The water temperatures at Playa de Palma are currently 17 degrees, the air temperature is beyond the 20 degree mark during the day.