A shark attacked a man paddleboarding in the Canary Islands on Sunday afternoon, just two miles off Fuerteventura, sparking alarm among beachgoers.
The man was practising downwind foiling in waters near the Los Molinos area, a popular spot on the western side of the island. All of a sudden, the ferocious predator attacked his board, before sinking its teeth into his leg, according to Spanish TV channel Antena 3. The attack left the paddleboarder with two nasty bite wounds on his leg, but he managed to return to the shore unaided.
He was then taken to the hospital for treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Scenes of panic and chaos broke out among beachgoers following news of the attack by the fearsome beast.
No confirmation has yet been made as to what type of shark was involved in the attack. Scientists have identified about 50 species among the different habitats in the waters around the Canary Islands.
Local authorities have not confirmed whether safety measures, like beach closures or patrolling, are being implemented.
Sharks have been spotted off Fuerteventura before, leading to beach closures when Jet Ski patrols raised the alarm. Their presence in the waters around the Canaries is not common, and actual attacks are even more unusual.
Marine authorities are, though, urging caution and reminding swimmers and water sports participants to stay alert and report any suspicious activity in the sea.
Last September, a woman died after being attacked by a shark on a British-flagged catamaran in the Canaries.
The 30-year-old German tragically lost her fight for life in a Spanish Air Force helicopter as she was being evacuated to a Gran Canaria hospital.
She was officially pronounced dead after arriving at Doctor Negrin Hospital in the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, on Monday night.
