Shark Encounter in Fuerteventura: A Tale of Calm Amidst Chaos
A Shocking Incident
On Friday, a shocking incident occurred in the waters off Fuerteventura, where a shark attacked a paddleboard enthusiast. The athlete sustained a bite, received some stitches, but most importantly, conveyed a message of tranquility. The group of five friends was undertaking a paddle foil journey between El Cotillo and Los Molinos, roughly two kilometers from the island’s west coast, when one of them felt the unexpected bite.
Among the group were renowned athletes, including majorcan rider Alba Frey and world champion windsurfer Iballa Ruano, alongside three other friends. The situation took a turn when one of the friends momentarily paused on his board, using the opportunity to hydrate and rest.
The Bite and Its Aftermath
Elaborating on the incident, Alba Frey noted, “The shark was likely trailing the foil, which is the only thing visible under the water. When the board stopped, it probably got startled and bit.” In a panicked response, the bitten friend used his paddle to free himself from the shark’s grip. Initially, the group didn’t grasp the severity of the situation, as Frey recounted, “I didn’t realize what was happening. I saw him paddling with his hands towards the shore and thought he had broken his paddle.”
Despite the distance from the shore, he managed to swim the twenty minutes back, though the pain from his injuries hindered his speed. Upon reaching land, they discovered the bite was superficial and that no significant damage had been done. Rather than calling emergency services, they opted to take him directly to the hospital, where he received stitches and antibiotics.
A Rare Encounter
While the incident was undoubtedly tense, Alba Frey downplayed its severity, emphasizing that sharks generally don’t find humans appealing. “When they realize we aren’t food, they let go,” she explained. She categorized the event as extraordinarily rare, comparing it to a lottery win.
To better understand the situation, the group later reached out to marine biologists. Based on images of the bite, experts speculated it could be from a two to three-meter-long porbeagle shark. Typically, sharks—especially hammerheads—are spotted on the east coast, while the west is known to have more porbeagles that are curious and potentially aggressive. Such encounters typically occur far from land, as seen in this instance.
Shark Attack Statistics
Frey reassured: porbeagles are not lethal. Historical data reveals that out of more than 3,000 shark attacks recorded globally, only thirteen occurred in Spain, with just seven in the Canary Islands. The sole fatality in Spanish history happened in the Balearic Islands in 1902.
Continuing the Adventure
Following the incident, Alba Frey and her companions remained undeterred in their passion for paddle foiling, a relatively new sport that allows participants to reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour. Utilizing a board, a foil, a paddle, and harnessing wind and current, they can traverse the stretch from El Cotillo to Los Molinos in just an hour.
The injured friend is on the mend, encouraged to keep his leg elevated for two weeks. Despite this extraordinary experience, the group was resolute: they would not abandon their beloved sport. “Perhaps we’ll take a break before returning to that area and paddling so far out,” Frey candidly observed, her voice light with humor, before concluding with a swift reminder of her commitment, “because I’m heading back to the water.”
Embracing the Passion
The resilience of these athletes exemplifies the spirit of adventure. Their determination to continue pursuing paddle foiling, even after such a surreal experience, underscores their love for the ocean and passion for their sport. With a commitment to safety and awareness of their environment, these athletes look to the waves ahead, undeterred and ready to embrace whatever comes their way.
