Surfer Attacked by Shark in Canary Islands

Surfer Recovers After Suspected Mako Shark Attack in Canary Islands

A routine hydrofoil surfing session turned terrifying for a British man off the coast of Fuerteventura, as a suspected mako shark reportedly attacked his board and leg.

The incident occurred in the Los Molinos area, where the powerful bite left important wounds above the surfer’s knee. Initial reports indicate the shark first latched onto the board before targeting the man.

Despite being in open water, the surfer managed to reach safety shores and received immediate attention from emergency services. He is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

While shark encounters are uncommon in the Spanish archipelago, this event follows a tragic incident last year where a German woman died after a shark attack while swimming near the islands.

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for surfers, frequently enough compared to Hawaii for their consistent Atlantic swells. The suspected attacker, a shortfin mako shark, is known as an aggressive predator feeding near the top of the marine food web.

Disclaimer: This article reports on a specific incident and is for informational purposes only.It does not constitute advice regarding marine safety or shark behavior. Readers should always exercise caution and follow local guidelines when engaging in water activities.

What factors contributed to the recent shark attack in El Médano, Tenerife, and how can surfers and swimmers mitigate similar risks in the Canary Islands?

Recent Shark incident & Canary Islands Safety

On July 21st, 2025, a surfer was attacked by a shark off the coast of El Médano, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 AM local time, involved a 37-year-old local man.He sustained serious injuries to his left leg and hand and was immediately transported to the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. As of this writing, his condition is reported as stable but under close observation. This event has understandably raised concerns about shark attacks Canary Islands and water safety for surfers and swimmers.

Details of the Shark Attack

The surfer was approximately 50 meters from the shore when the attack occurred. Witnesses reported seeing a large shark, estimated to be between 2.5 and 3 meters long, circling the area before the incident. initial reports suggest the shark was a blue marlin shark ( Isurus oxyrinchus), commonly known as a mako shark, though official confirmation is pending.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details:

Location: El Médano, Tenerife, Canary Islands

date: July 21st, 2025

Victim: 37-year-old male surfer

Injuries: Severe injuries to left leg and hand

Suspected Shark Species: Blue Marlin Shark (Mako Shark) – unconfirmed

Distance from Shore: Approximately 50 meters

Shark Species in the Canary Islands

While shark attacks are rare in the Canary Islands, several species inhabit the surrounding waters. Understanding these species is crucial for assessing risk and promoting shark safety.

Common shark species found in the Canary Islands include:

Blue Shark ( Prionace glauca): The most frequently sighted species, generally considered less aggressive towards humans.

Shortfin Mako shark ( Isurus oxyrinchus): A fast and powerful predator, responsible for some of the more serious incidents.

Hammerhead Sharks ( Sphyrna species): Typically feed on fish and invertebrates and pose a low risk to humans.

Angelsharks ( Squatina squatina): Bottom-dwelling sharks, rarely encountered by swimmers or surfers.

Thresher Shark ( Alopias vulpinus): Known for their long tail, they primarily feed on schooling fish.

Increased Shark Sightings & Potential Causes

In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in shark sightings Canary Islands. Several factors may contribute to this:

Warming Waters: Rising sea temperatures can alter shark migration patterns,bringing them closer to shore.

Increased Fish Populations: An abundance of prey species can attract sharks to specific areas.

Improved Reporting: Greater awareness and the use of social media have led to more frequent reporting of shark sightings.

Conservation Efforts: Prosperous conservation programs for certain fish species may be indirectly attracting sharks.

Safety Measures & recommendations for Surfers & Swimmers

Following this incident, local authorities have implemented temporary restrictions on water activities in El Médano. These include:

Beach Closures: Temporary closure of beaches in the immediate vicinity of the attack.

Increased Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring of coastal waters by lifeguards and patrol boats.

Public Awareness Campaigns: dissemination of data on shark safety and responsible behavior in the water.

Here are some practical tips for staying safe while surfing or swimming in the Canary Islands:

1. Swim/surf in Groups: Avoid isolated areas and always go with a buddy.
2. Avoid Dawn & Dusk: Sharks are most active during these low-light hours.
3. Avoid Murky Water: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a surprise encounter.
4. Don’t Wear Shiny Jewelry: Reflective objects can attract sharks.
5. Avoid Areas Where Fishing is Taking place: The scent of fish can attract sharks.
6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Constantly scan the water for any signs of shark activity.
7. Report Sightings: Immediately report any shark sightings to lifeguards or local authorities.
8. First Aid Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures for shark bites.