With over 400 species of sharks populating the seas and oceans, only a few pose a danger to humans. Most sharks are entirely harmless. Some may exhibit aggressive behavior only when threatened or when mistaking a swimmer for prey. On average, only about 6 people die each year due to shark attacks, a small number considering the vast population of sharks on the planet.
The Great White Shark
Known as the largest predator in the oceans, the great white shark is a majestic fish, reaching lengths of about 6 meters and possessing 300 teeth. It is the only shark capable of raising its head above water to observe its surroundings. While often associated with attacks on humans, these sharks generally mistake swimmers for seals or sea lions. They are present but rare in the Mediterranean.
The Tiger Shark
A large predator, the tiger shark is easily recognized by its imposing size (about 4 meters in length) and the stripes decorating its body, which give it its name. Predominantly found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, this nocturnal and solitary hunter is considered the “garbage can of the oceans,” swallowing everything in its path, which explains its aggression toward humans. It is not found in the Mediterranean.
The Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
The bull shark, also known as the Zambezi shark, is commonly called the “bull shark” in English-speaking regions. It is important to distinguish this species from the sand tiger shark. The bull shark inhabits warm, shallow waters along coastlines and rivers worldwide. Known for its unpredictable and often aggressive behavior, it is considered the most dangerous to humans due to its tendency to venture into shallow waters. Along with the tiger and great white sharks, it is one of the three species responsible for the most human attacks.
The Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Longimanus)
Renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau described the oceanic whitetip shark as “the most dangerous of all sharks.” Despite the fame of the great white shark and other coastal species, the oceanic whitetip is responsible for more human attacks, particularly in maritime disasters. For example, after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945, between 600 and 800 sailors were killed by sharks, many believed to be oceanic whitetips. Similar incidents occurred during WWII, such as the sinking of the Nova Scotia near South Africa, where the majority of deaths were attributed to this species.
The Hammerhead Shark
Commonly observed in the waters of the Sicilian Channel, near the coasts of Lampedusa, the hammerhead shark is considered a potential threat to humans, though only a few attacks have been recorded.
The Mako Shark
The Mako shark primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical waters, including temperate regions like the Mediterranean, though it is rarely seen due to its scarcity. Known for its remarkable agility, it is one of the fastest sharks, capable of reaching speeds over 75 km/h. This species can reach up to 4 meters in length and is one of the few sharks, along with the great white and blacktip reef shark, capable of performing spectacular breaches out of the water, sometimes leaping as high as 6 meters. Due to its aggressive and unpredictable nature, the Mako is classified as one of the most dangerous sharks in the world, alongside the great white, bull, tiger, and oceanic whitetip sharks.
Sharks Close to Shores in the Mediterranean: Why?
Sharks may approach the coasts for various reasons, depending on the species and circumstances:
- Feeding: Coastal waters can be rich in prey like fish, seals, or sea lions, attracting sharks.
- Reproduction: Some species choose coastal areas for mating and giving birth.
- Migration: Sharks may migrate along coastlines in search of food or to reach breeding areas.
- Suitable habitat: Coastal waters provide suitable environments like mangroves, bays, and estuaries, offering food and shelter.
- Environmental changes: Variations in water temperature or food availability may drive sharks toward the coasts.
- Human interactions: Fishing activities and food waste near coasts can attract sharks.
Despite their proximity to shorelines, shark attacks on humans are extremely rare, as most sharks are not interested in humans as prey. Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to follow local safety guidelines when swimming in coastal waters.
