In an unexpected twist, a tiger shark measuring nearly ten feet and weighing approximately 300 pounds was recently captured in the southeastern waters off Isla de la Juventud. The crew of the lobster boat Balandro, part of the local industrial fishing fleet, made the surprising catch. According to Leonel Leal Pantoja, the boat's captain, the discovery occurred when unusual movements were noticed inside the lobster trap.
"I immediately went to check, and to everyone's astonishment, we found it was a massive fish," Leal Pantoja reported to Radio Caribe. The crew, taking necessary precautions, managed to carefully hoist the shark onboard. It was then transported to the fishing company, where it will be processed and made available to the local community.
The young captain of the Balandro noted that such a large tiger shark hasn't been seen in the region in recent memory, sparking significant interest among local fishermen. Known for its aggressive nature towards humans, the tiger shark typically resides in the open waters of the Gulf. Experts find its presence in these shallow, nearby waters puzzling.
Recently, a group of beachgoers at Cayo Santa María in northern Villa Clara province experienced a mix of awe and caution as several sharks were spotted near the shore. "Sharks at Cayo Santa María in Cuba set off alarms, forcing tourists to leave the beach," said journalist Mario Vallejo, sharing a video of the shark swimming close to the shore.
A similar incident occurred to a young Cuban woman at Varadero Beach. While she was enjoying a peaceful morning swim, someone shouted from the beach, urging her to exit the water after spotting what seemed to be a shark in the distance. The tiktoker Sandra Saure (@sandra_saure) was filming videos when she had a sudden scare.
Sandra claims to have seen a shark in Varadero, but locals explained that it was likely a dolphin or porpoise. However, back in April, a hammerhead shark, also known as a cornuda cruz, attacked a makeshift cork raft of Cuban fishermen near the Havana coast. "What madness! Look how it's biting the cork. Here it comes again! It's not going to tip us over, but... what a shark. These are stories only we live," recounted one of the fishermen involved in the startling encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Sightings in Cuba
Why is the presence of a tiger shark near Isla de la Juventud unusual?
Tiger sharks are typically found in the open waters of the Gulf. Their presence in shallower, coastal areas near Isla de la Juventud is unexpected and unusual, drawing attention from experts.
What measures were taken by the fishermen upon capturing the tiger shark?
The fishermen carefully applied protective measures to safely lift the shark aboard their boat and then transported it to a fishing company for processing and sale.
How have shark sightings affected beachgoers in Cuba recently?
Shark sightings have caused alarm among beachgoers, leading to temporary evacuations of beaches such as Cayo Santa María and Varadero, as people take precautions to avoid potential encounters.