Dr. Fernando "Monti" Montero, a medical doctor and drifting pilot, witnessed a stunning scene from a high-rise building in Florida when he spotted several sharks near a beach, prompting him to declare he might never visit a beach again. "At the end of the video, you can see a woman swimming unaware that she has two sharks right beside her," said the Uruguayan in an Instagram video, which shows at least five sharks near a Florida beach.
"Although shark attacks are very rare, there have been three attacks recently, leading to the temporary closure of several beaches," the sportsman pointed out. In the short clip, several beachgoers are seen enjoying the water, while a woman can be seen swimming with two sharks nearby. "I think today I won't go to the beach; it seems I might never go again," the athlete remarked.
Montero's followers identified the location as Sunny Isles Beach, a popular beach in Miami-Dade County. Some noted that shark sightings in this area are more frequent at dusk. Recently, Florida authorities warned swimmers about shark presence along the Gulf Coast after three people suffered serious attacks on Friday.
While patrolling the west coast beaches by boat, officers noted an increased presence of sharks in the Panhandle area, which includes the 18 westernmost counties of the state, according to Local 10. The authorities even temporarily closed several beaches after a woman and two teenagers were injured in shark attacks in Walton County.
In recent days, a Cuban resident in Florida experienced a terrifying moment when a bull shark snatched a fish from his hands during a spearfishing trip, leaving only the head behind. "These animals are incredible; you have to be very careful in the water," explained Dairo Alfonso Páez, the incident's protagonist, in a TikTok video, detailing that the event occurred two weeks ago.
Shark Sightings and Safety in Florida Waters
Given the recent shark sightings and attacks in Florida, it is important for swimmers and beachgoers to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you stay informed and safe.
How common are shark attacks in Florida?
Shark attacks in Florida are relatively rare, but they do occur. Recently, there have been three attacks, leading to temporary beach closures.
What should I do if I encounter a shark while swimming?
If you encounter a shark while swimming, remain calm and try to slowly and smoothly back away. Avoid making sudden movements and do not thrash around.
Are certain areas in Florida more prone to shark sightings?
Yes, areas like Sunny Isles Beach and the Panhandle region have reported more frequent shark sightings, especially around dusk.