For many, a seaside excursion isn’t complete without a refreshing dip in the ocean. However, one intrepid explorer’s recent discovery in the waters off Cornwall has left beachgoers astounded.
While we might anticipate encountering small fish or perhaps an occasional jellyfish when venturing into our coastal waters, the crystal seas surrounding Cornwall have much more to offer for those daring enough to delve deeper.
During a recent snorkelling adventure around Falmouth’s coastline, YouTube vlogger James Cook, also known as Wildlife with Cookie, documented his experience exploring the Cornish waters.
Setting sail from Castle Beach alongside guide and expert diver Gio Prince, they embarked on a quest to spot some sharks.
This revelation may come as a surprise to many, but it’s not just Australia’s Gold Coast that boasts shark-populated waters. In fact, around 40 species can be found in UK waters, with 21 of these calling British shores their permanent home.
However, there’s no need to fret about encountering sharks during your next beach outing. The species found in Britain are significantly smaller and less threatening than their Australian counterparts, with no recorded instances of unprovoked fatal shark attacks occurring in the UK.
The Shark Trust explains: “You’re very unlikely to encounter one during a trip to the beach. But you may find evidence of Smallspotted Catsharks or Nursehounds. These species reproduce by laying eggs. And you can often find their empty egg cases washed up on the strandline. Sadly, scientists consider over 50% of British sharks to be threatened or Near Threatened.
“Only a few sharks are potentially dangerous to humans. None of these have ever been reported in British waters. With so many shark species under threat, seeing a shark in British waters should be a cause for celebration.”
Embarking on his journey to Cornwall with hopes of spotting a shark, James revealed: “Firming the cold water, I was in and off searching for sharks, but it wasn’t long before the first animal was spotted… a compass jellyfish.
“The visibility was fantastic, and with the light it really showed how beautiful the jellyfish was.”
Despite the appeal of this marine creature, the quest for a shark persisted. Following encounters with crabs, cuttlefish, and various other species, the day appeared to be drawing to a close – until one final surprise emerged.
Hiding on the seabed lay a lesser spotted catshark.
Thrilled to have finally discovered one, James was about to receive an even greater reward, as moments later, a magnificent nursehound shark materialised out of nowhere.
He added: “We had an unbelievable encounter just a few moments later. Another gorgeous nursehound shark that let us swim practically fin to hand for a good few minutes. An unreal sighting and one I won’t forget for a while.”
Audiences were equally astonished, with one viewer exclaiming: “I have always had an interest in the animals in UK waters and on our coasts, it’s so cool that we have such amazing predators near home!”
YouTube commenters also shared their surprise at the encounter. One wrote: “That’s sick, I didn’t know there were that many. The first time I saw one was in a submarine. Would love to see one snorkelling.”
Meanwhile, another added: “I thought I knew some good snorkelling spots in Cornwall, but this is absolutely incredible!”