The calm of La Reya beach in Puerto de Mazarrón was interrupted when a shark measuring around two meters approached just a few meters from the shore in the early afternoon. The approach, recorded around 15:00 p.m., surprised the swimmers and forced them to leave the water without incident..
Witnesses report that the dorsal fin was clearly visible and that dozens of onlookers gathered on the sand to record the scene with their cell phones. The presence of the animal caused a stir, but the reaction was orderly and quick..
This was the sighting in La Reya
The shark approached from a deeper area and swam parallel to the shore for several minutes, while those enjoying the swim watched. Its size, estimated at about two meters, and its proximity to the shore prompted the immediate withdrawal of people from the water..
Unrest spread among those present, although there were no races or dangerous situations; lifeguards and beach staff called for calm over the PA system. The evacuation was carried out without injuries or need for medical attention..
Some bathers described the animal's movement as slow, without any lunges or erratic behavior. The species of the shark was not confirmed, and it showed no signs of aggression..
The shore was shallow due to the tide, and the state of the sea made it easy to see the fin sticking out of the water, which attracted more residents and tourists to the area. The gathering of onlookers was kept at a safe distance, monitored by beach services..
Municipal sources indicated that these episodes, although rare, can occur sporadically during periods of increased biological activity. The recommendation was not to return to the water until further instructions from security personnel..
Emergency response and context in Mazarrón
Minutes later, an emergency services boat arrived at the scene and escorted the animal to a deeper area, away from swimmers and shallow waters. The maneuver prevented the shark from becoming wedged in the surf and allowed it to return to open sea..
After the operation, the bathing flag was kept in place as a precaution until the area was confirmed safe, and normality was restored shortly after. There are no reports of incidents involving people or material damage as a result of the event..
There are recent precedents in the municipality: at the beginning of 2024, a large dead specimen, weighing close to 200 kilos, was removed from Rihuete beach, also in Puerto de Mazarrón. That incident was treated as an isolated incident unrelated to interaction with bathers..
Experts consulted suggest that these approaches may be due to disorientation, coastal currents, or searching for food in shallow areas. On the Murcian coast, it is not uncommon for young or weakened specimens to temporarily approach the coast..
In response to a similar sighting in Mazarrón, authorities are reminding people of some basic safety guidelines to minimize risks. Following these instructions helps both people and the animal itself..
- Get out of the water calmly, without running or creating crowds.
- Notify immediately to lifeguards or to 112 indicating the exact location.
- Do not attempt to harass, touch, or feed the shark, nor approach it with small boats.
- Wait for authorization to resume bathing when the area is declared safe.
This incident in La Reya leaves a striking image, but without negative consequences, and demonstrates that the Mazarrón coast coexists with a diverse marine fauna. The rapid emergency response and the cooperation of the bathers were decisive in resolving the situation without damage..
