Post by lisa on Mar 9, 2005 18:25:44 GMT
GEORDIE JAWS WARNING
Experts have warned a man-eating shark is patrolling the chilly North East coast.
A shortfin mako shark, a close relative of the great white and known for its speed and ferocity, is thought to be feeding close to the shore.
Suspicions were raised after fishermen reported unusual numbers of dead porpoises off Sunderland.
In the past two weeks 45 of the animals, five times the usual number, have been found with 12 inch bites on them.
Decapitated seals and the remains of other large fish have also been discovered.
The grisly finds have forced the Maritime and Coast-guard Agency to issue a warning to anyone entering the waters between the Scottish borders and Lincolnshire.
A spokesman said: "We would advise all those using the water, including surfers, fishermen and divers, to be especially careful and vigilant."
Mako sharks are often found in the North Sea, as they prefer colder water, but it is very rare for them to be so close to land.
It is thought conservation efforts off the North East coast have greatly increased the local porpoise population, attracting the mako, which is the fastest shark in the sea and can swim at 60 mph.
The Natural History Museum will confirm the shark's presence when it has completed autopsies on the porpoises' bodies.
www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1173984,00.html
Experts have warned a man-eating shark is patrolling the chilly North East coast.
A shortfin mako shark, a close relative of the great white and known for its speed and ferocity, is thought to be feeding close to the shore.
Suspicions were raised after fishermen reported unusual numbers of dead porpoises off Sunderland.
In the past two weeks 45 of the animals, five times the usual number, have been found with 12 inch bites on them.
Decapitated seals and the remains of other large fish have also been discovered.
The grisly finds have forced the Maritime and Coast-guard Agency to issue a warning to anyone entering the waters between the Scottish borders and Lincolnshire.
A spokesman said: "We would advise all those using the water, including surfers, fishermen and divers, to be especially careful and vigilant."
Mako sharks are often found in the North Sea, as they prefer colder water, but it is very rare for them to be so close to land.
It is thought conservation efforts off the North East coast have greatly increased the local porpoise population, attracting the mako, which is the fastest shark in the sea and can swim at 60 mph.
The Natural History Museum will confirm the shark's presence when it has completed autopsies on the porpoises' bodies.
www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1173984,00.html