Thursday, February 3, 2011

100,000 sharks mass off Florida's beaches

Pack of predators: Camera phone pictures reveal the sharp-toothed mass congregating near the Sunshine StatePilot Steve Irwin was astonished after spotting a mass of more than 100,000 sharks swimming just 100 yards off Florida's sandy beaches.

The long-time fisherman and marine technology expert was cruising 300ft above the clear waters in his helicopter on Sunday when he came across the astonishing scene.

The 50-year-old - who shares his name with the late Australian 'Crocodile Hunter' - whipped out his smartphone to capture the masses of deadly predators, which spanned a 20-mile stretch of water.

The sharks - believed to be Spinners, between 3ft and 7ft long - were heading north and swimming parallel to the east coast's idyllic white beaches between Fort Lauderdale and exclusive Jupiter Island.

Small groups of strays were even spotted milling around swimmers who appeared to be blissfully unaware of the danger, although no injuries were reported.

Experts say this is the time of year when sharks migrate and head for warmer waters, typically swimming close to the shore while chasing after bait-fish.

But Mr Irwin, who runs Island Marine Services in Fort Pierce, was baffled as to the staggering number of sharks gathered in the shallow waters.

'It was an truly amazing sight,' he said.

'I've been a fisherman for 20 years and I also kayak out there and it's common to see them twist and turn and shoot through the air. ...

via 100,000 sharks mass off Florida's beaches | Mail Online.

1 comment:

Franklin Colletta said...

You never know what you'll see kayaking around here. While this many sharks in one place is a rare sight, paddling among sharks, dolphins, manatees, etc. is pretty common. I would be making a bee line for the beach if I ever came across a million of these guys.