Reassurance from experts after snorkeller suffered 'shark bite' in Cornwall
It is believed the casualty sustained a leg injury during an organised trip out of Penzance
Last updated 3rd Aug 2022
Experts are telling people not to panic, after a snorkeller was 'bitten by a shark' off the coast of Cornwall.
It is believed the casualty suffered a leg injury during an organised trip out of Penzance with Blue Shark Snorkel.
Posting on Facebook, the group said it enacted its emergency response immediately, adding that these occurrences are "extremely rare".
HM Coastguard scrambled its Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team to meet the casualty last Thursday (28th July).
Their statement confirmed the snorkeller "suffered a suspected shark bite".
"This is a pretty rare occurrence"
We have spoken to wildlife conservationist, author and broadcaster Richard Peirce, based in Bude, about the incident.
He used to run diving excursions to see sharks and said: "Generally speaking, I see no reason why snorkelling - free-diving I call it - with blue sharks should be anything other than a really enjoyable - and as long as the operators know what they're doing - perfectly safe occupation".
When asked for advice to anyone heading out on trips, he said: "Be a little bit on your guard. If they're going to come right up close to you, have something in your hand or make sure the organisers are there with something in their hand and just gently push them off you".
In their statement Blue Shark Snorkel Trips said: "As we know, these things can happen when we choose to interact with wild animals in their own environment".
"Have great respect - but enjoy the encounter"
Richard echoed that, saying: "It must be recognised that you're not dealing with a teddy bear. You are dealing with an animal with a mouthful of teeth so you need to just obey certain rules and just have great respect - but enjoy the encounter".
In conclusion, he said: "I started this activity in 2006 and this is only the second time in that period of time that I've heard of anyone being bitten by a blue shark in the water".