Summer brings sharks close to the shore: four sightings in Sicily in a few days.

Shark sightings continue in Sicily. The latest one, in open waters, occurred off the coast of Catania. However, this is not an entirely uncommon event. In recent days, visitors to one of the most famous beaches, Santa Flavia, near Palermo, had the opportunity to admire a blue shark, also known as a blue whaler, just a few meters from the shore, capturing the attention and amazement of onlookers. Of course, no one missed the chance to immortalize the scene with their smartphones. Seeing such a close encounter with a specimen of this species is a rare and captivating experience, but also a cause for concern. We have already had four sightings in a short period.

Just a few days ago, in Sicily, a large blue whaler came within meters of a man swimming in front of Oliveri beach, in Messina, and two days later another specimen was spotted near the shoreline of Fondachello. The third blue shark was noticed along the coast of Casteldaccia, in Palermo, while the latest sighting involves a hammerhead shark offshore from Catania. Both species, blue whaler and hammerhead shark, are protected. If we expand the discussion to include Italy, a three-meter-long great white shark appeared in the waters of Livorno on June 22nd, and others have been seen in Cagliari, where one was spotted near Poetto Beach, and in Pesaro, in the Flaminia Bay. But there is no need to be afraid. The most common sharks in Italian waters are the great white shark, especially along the coasts of Sicily, the gray shark, the hammerhead shark, particularly in Sicily and Sardinia, the prickly shark (Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Sicily), the blue shark, and the leopard shark (Sardinia).

BLUE SHARK — The blue shark is an oceanic species found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters, including the Mediterranean, from which it is gradually disappearing due to climate change. It is characterized by the intense blue color of its skin, which can range from dark blue to bright blue. Despite its reputation as a predator, however, it does not pose a threat to humans unless provoked or disturbed. The few cases of attacks worldwide have occurred only in open waters.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF SIGHTING — In the event of a shark sighting, experts advise to remain calm, avoiding sudden movements or excessive noise to prevent frightening the animal. It is important not to get too close and maintain a safe distance of at least 30 meters to avoid disturbing the shark. Absolutely avoid touching it to prevent the risk of injury. Finally, it is advisable to call the number 1530 and follow the instructions of the lifeguards.