Thrashing mako shark washes up on shore right next to beach-goers

Sunbathers in Brazil were left shocked by the terrifying sight of a huge shortfin mako shark washing up on the shore. 

The live shark was spotted thrashing around in the surf in scenes not unlike those from the classic movie Jaws. 

It was filmed by an individual in Balneario Barra do Sul, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil on Sunday morning. 

According to Eloisa Giareta, a researcher at a marine biodiversity recovery programme called Rebimar, the specimen was a shortfin mako shark.

The species known as isurus oxyrinchu can reach 13 feet in length, weigh up to 1,260 lb, and is one of the fastest in the water, reaching speeds of about 43 miles per hour.

It is categorised as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as it is targeted by both sport and commercial fisheries.

But it does however have a history of attacks on humans and small boats at sea.

Hugo Bornatowski, another researcher at Rebimar, told local media: ‘Newborns and juveniles are captured by recreational fisheries in more coastal areas and adults are captured by industrial fisheries.’

And Veronica Takatsuka Manoel, a veterinarian from AquaRio, said: ‘To find out the reason for the beaching, the animal would need to be inspected to identify any signs of interaction with fishing, attempted predation by other animals, or intoxication.’

But local media said this could not be done because the shark went back into the sea.

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