Shark sighting near Murcia beach

A blue shark was seen near the shore at La Reya Beach in Puerto de Mazarrón near Murcia, prompting a rapid beach evacuation.

Shark sighting prompts beach evacuation at Murcia coast

A blue shark about 2 meters long was spotted close to swimmers at La Reya Beach in Puerto de Mazarrón, near Murcia, on Thursday. Lifeguards ordered a water evacuation and an emergency services boat moved in to guide the animal back to the open sea. The sighting was filmed by bystanders and posted online, where it drew thousands of views.

Blue sharks are common in the Mediterranean and typically avoid people, health officials say. Officials urged a calm exit from the water and to report sightings, noting that such encounters are rare but not unusual in busy coastal seasons. The episode comes as authorities monitor marine life activity in the area, which has seen other unusual sightings in recent years.

The incident shows how quickly social media can amplify a single sighting into a public scare. Even as lifeguards acted promptly, videos online shape the public mood and can influence future beach visits. Officials should balance timely warnings with calm, factual updates to avoid unnecessary panic.

For Murcia’s coast, the event tests how authorities communicate risk without deterring tourism. Clear guidance from lifeguards and coast guards helps keep beaches accessible when conditions permit, while wildlife observers remind the public that encounters are part of a living coastline.

Highlights

The sea remains a powerful reminder that coastlines are shared spaces with living creatures.