The authorities ordered the closure of two beaches in Gran Canaria yesterday afternoon (Sunday), Melenara Beach and Salinetas Beach, after a shark was spotted near the coast again. This decision came just hours after Melenara Beach had been reopened to the public following the previous sighting.
The Telde Council’s press office confirmed that Beach and Public Safety Councillors had initially permitted the reopening after confirming the shark had moved away from the shore, after first being seen near the shore on Saturday afternoon, prompting immediate action.
Coordinated efforts by the Local Police, Civil Protection, and Proactiva (the lifeguard service provider for the municipality) continued, using drones and jet skis to look for the shark in case it returned to coastal waters.
The shark sighting protocol was activated on Saturday when one was spotted by lifeguards near the Telde coastline. Red flags were raised, and swimmers were ordered out of the water for their safety.
Early yesterday morning (Sunday), Proactiva team members, using jet skis and assisted by aerial footage from the Local Police’s drone unit (Unidron), confirmed that the shark was no longer in the area.
However, it reappeared a few hours later, which is why the beach was closed for a second time. The shark has been identified as a hammerhead; a species known for its distinctive head shape.
The Telde authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.
