Shark caught by boat

Researchers from Oregon State University captured groundbreaking footage of a basking shark being struck by a boat off Ireland's coast, marking the first recorded instance of such an event involving any marine megafauna. The incident occurred shortly after the shark was tagged with a device that monitored its activity, revealing that it did not resume normal behavior following the strike. Basking sharks are particularly vulnerable to vessel strikes due to their surface-feeding habits, and despite their endangered status, data on their mortality rates remains challenging to assess. Meanwhile, on the north coast of Devon, beachgoers reported a sighting of a large shark, speculated to be a Thresher or Hammerhead, which added to the recent shark-related news in the UK. Additionally, a deceased 24-foot basking shark washed up on a beach in Ayrshire, highlighting ongoing threats to these marine creatures. The urgent need for protective measures for basking sharks and awareness of vessel strikes is underscored by these events.