Holidaymakers in Turkey face a dangerous situation: swimming in the sea could put their lives at stake
In recent events, vacationers in the popular Turkish resort towns of Bodrum and Alanya have been left on edge after encounters with sharks. The incidents were reported by the Telegram channel Shot, and it seems this is not the first time such occurrences have taken place this summer.
According to ichthyologists, great white and tiger sharks are known to roam the waters off the Turkish coast. While the great white shark primarily feeds on other sharks, with humans being more of an exotic delicacy, the tiger shark is more aggressive and has a reputation for threatening humans.
Common shark species found in Turkish waters include the smooth-hound shark, spiny dogfish, longnose spurdog, and the bluntnose sixgill shark, among others. The shortfin mako shark, known for its speed and sharp teeth, has also been historically recorded near Turkey.
Most sharks observed in Turkish waters are not commonly aggressive towards humans. However, species like the bluntnose sixgill shark and shortfin mako shark are large and powerful predators, theoretically capable of posing a threat, although attacks on humans are extremely rare. The presence of tiger sharks in shallow coastal waters around Turkey adds to potential risks in certain areas.
Notably, apex predators like the blue shark have nearly disappeared from the Sea of Marmara due to oxygen depletion, reducing the risk from some large pelagic sharks in those waters. The overall shark diversity in Turkish coastal waters includes at least nine species, including potentially dangerous ones like the great white shark, sandbar shark, sand tiger shark, and smooth hammerhead, although evidence of regular human threat from these is limited.
In the incident in Bodrum, lifeguards had to evacuate everyone from the water due to the presence of sharks. After waiting for the sharks to swim away, tourists returned to the water. No further information is provided about the measures taken to ensure the safety of tourists after the shark sighting, nor is it clear if any tourists were injured during the incident.
The tiger shark, with its "extremely bad temper," is known to venture closer to the shore to find its prey. In contrast, the great white shark only attacks when it's hungry. A school of sharks was spotted by lifeguards from a drone, prompting the evacuation.
In Alanya, the sharks swam too close to bathers, causing another evacuation. No information is provided about the species of sharks involved in these incidents.
It is essential to remember that while encounters with sharks can be alarming, most sharks are not a threat to humans. By understanding the species that inhabit our waters and taking precautions when swimming, we can enjoy our time at the beach safely.
Travelers visiting popular Turkish resort towns like Bodrum and Alanya should be cautious due to reported shark sightings. These incidents are not uncommon, as several dangerous shark species, such as the tiger shark and great white shark, are known to roam the waters off the Turkish coast. It's crucial to be aware of these marine predators and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe travel and lifestyle experience.
