We all know that sharks swim in the sea, but surely there are none that could harm us in the English waters?
Well, those who think that will be horrified to learn that there have been sightings of more ‘dangerous’ sharks in the waters surrounding England, and it might make you think twice before you strip off on the beach into your swimwear and run into the sea with abandon.
According to @fishfactsdaily, there are many sharks that lurk in the depths. First up is the basking shark, which the TikToker gave a danger rating of 2/10.
According to The Wildlife Trust, “This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 12m in length. There’s no need to fear them though, they only eat plankton”.
Next up on the list is the Mako shark, which has a danger rating of 8/10.
According to Oyster Diving, the Mako is “Britain’s fastest summer visitor and appears along the south coast of Britain. Arguably the most dangerous shark in the UK, the Mako can grow up to 12 feet in length.”
The Save Our Seas Foundation say: “Due to their speed, power and size, shortfin makos are often considered a danger to humans. However, there are few accounts of unprovoked attacks on humans.
“The majority of injuries caused by shortfin makos have occurred when the shark is caught on fishing line.”
The third shark that you may find in the waters of the UK is the blue shark, which has a danger rating of 6/10.
The Florida Museum of Natural History said: “The blue shark is relatively unaggressive but is very curious and will approach divers and spearfishers, especially if food is available. According to the ISAF, the blue shark is responsible for thirteen unprovoked shark bites worldwide.”
The next shark that was mentioned that roams in UK waters is the porbeagle, which was given a danger rating of 6/10.
The Florida Museum of Natural History say: “Although the porbeagle is related to the much-feared shortfin mako and white shark, it rarely attacks humans. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) lists two unprovoked attacks by porbeagles off England and Canada, both on divers and both non-fatal.”
The final shark mentioned in the TikTok had a danger score of 7/10, and it’s the thresher shark.
Smithsonian Ocean says: “Even though it is an expert hunter, the thresher shark is shy and harmless to humans and is unlikely to attack them.”
