Shortfin Mako Shark Attacks People in Gangneung... Avoid Water Activities if You Have Wounds

Recent Reports of Shark Sightings Along the East Coast
Due to Rising Water Temperatures, Warm-Current Fish Species Move North

A report has been received that a shark was spotted near Gangneunghang Port in Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province. The shark was identified as a blue shark, known for its aggressive nature. The maritime police are strengthening patrols in the nearby waters.

The East Sea Maritime Police Agency announced that at around 10:26 a.m. on the 1st, they received a report that a shark near Gangneunghang Port had cut a fishing line attached to a leisure boat. Since then, the East Sea Maritime Police have intensified maritime safety patrols.

Additionally, the Gangneung Police Station’s coastal rescue boat and nearby patrol vessels were dispatched to the scene. Information about the shark sighting was relayed to the relevant local governments and related agencies, and coastal patrols using drones as well as maritime patrols were strengthened, focusing on the nearby waters.

Shortfin Mako Shark Found Near Gangneung Port
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

The East Sea Maritime Police confirmed the shark’s identity as a blue shark after consulting a professor from Gunsan University’s Department of Marine Life Operations with the video footage secured by the reporter. Blue sharks are characterized by a slimmer body compared to the common shark, with longer pectoral fins and upper tail fins.

Blue sharks are known to be aggressive and occasionally attack humans. Mr. Kim, who first spotted the blue shark, told 'KBS', "At first, I thought it was trash because it was so heavy," expressing his surprise.

Recently, sharks have been increasingly spotted in South Korea. On the 7th of last month, a shark presumed to be a common shark was found near Samcheok City. Reports of shark sightings have also been received from Goseong, Samcheok, and Sokcho.

On June 23rd, a 1.9-meter-long great white shark was found off Janghang Port in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, and on the 6th of last month, a sevengill shark was found dead, caught in a net east of Imwon Port in Samcheok City, Gangwon Province.

Sharks such as common sharks and great white sharks are originally warm-current species. However, due to climate change and rising sea temperatures, there appears to be an increase in their northward migration. The recent rise in shark sightings along the East Coast is also presumed to be due to this.

According to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the average sea surface temperature in the East Sea from March to May this year was 10 degrees Celsius, about 1.8 degrees higher than the 30-year average from 1991 to 2020. This is also the highest temperature recorded in 42 years since observations began in South Korea.

Meanwhile, as sharks have appeared near beaches, local governments are making every effort to establish safety measures, including installing nets across the entire 600-meter stretch of the beach.

To prevent shark incidents, it is advised to avoid fishing or swimming from late evening to early morning when sharks are most active. Also, since the smell of blood can attract sharks, people with wounds should avoid entering the sea.

Avoid wearing bright-colored swimsuits, and if you encounter a shark, do not shout or make provocative movements.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.