First-ever video captures ship striking shark in shocking encounter

Ship strikes are believed to be a major factor in the declining numbers of many shark species, but there has never been video evidence of the impact until now. Researchers at Oregon State University have released rare footage of a basking shark being struck by a boat, offering a first-hand glimpse of the event. The six-minute sequence shows the shark’s behavior changing after the strike, providing valuable insights into the impact of ship strikes on marine creatures.

The camera attached to the shark off the coast of Ireland captured the disturbing moment of the boat strike, but it remains unclear whether the shark survived. The data collected showed that the shark did not resume normal behavior after the strike, indicating potential long-term consequences for the animal. The footage revealed visible damage to the shark’s skin, highlighting the non-lethal injuries that can result from ship strikes.

Basking sharks, listed as globally endangered, are the second largest known fish and are particularly vulnerable to boat strikes due to their surface feeding behavior. The research aims to understand more about the foraging habits of basking sharks and mitigate the risks they face from boat strikes. The need for greater education on how to prevent such incidents is emphasized by the vulnerability of these animals to boat traffic.

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