Rare Shark Attack in Mexico Leaves Fisherman Dead

Mexico –

Not long ago, a fisherman in Mexico met a fateful fate. He was attacked by White shark while diving looking for clams, until his head was cut off. This kind of attack is very rare and scientists are trying to find out what causes it.

Manuel Nieblas Lopez, who is in his 50s, was attacked in Yobari Bay along the Gulf of California. When attacked, Lopez was collecting shells at a depth of between 11 and 18 meters. It inhales a source of air supplied from the surface, with a scuba-like device.

Two other fishermen, who were in a support boat when the attack occurred, witnessed the shark ripping off the victim’s head and biting both shoulders. The victim died.

quoted detikINET from Live Science, sharks rarely bite people. Even when biting, they generally target the legs or body after mistaking humans for prey, such as seals, then release the victim after realizing their mistake. But sharks biting people’s heads or shoulders are extremely rare.

So what caused the tragic event? As with most other attacks, it’s likely the great white shark took the wrong prey. “If sharks are hungry, they make hasty decisions and bite whatever they think is potential prey. Remember, predators must think fast or starve,” said Gabin Naylor, a marine biologist from the University of Florida.

Sharks’ eyesight is also not very good, making it difficult for them to distinguish between prey and humans. Lopez might have avoided being attacked if he had worn a flashy wetsuit to set him apart from shark prey, although this has not been proven statistically.

The expert also assessed that the smell of the shells around the fishermen could have made them White shark headed there. “Any time someone fishes, whether it’s fish or invertebrates like clams or lobsters, sharks are attracted to the smell of the water and the vibrations of the animals,” said Naylor.

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