There's only been one fatal shark attack since May's spate of incidents in Mexico. While that fact may give beachgoers a surge of confidence, the country's tourism industry is still reeling, and sightings of sharks from Brazil to South Carolina make it clear the toothy beasts haven't really gone anywhere.
But just because you're not hearing the "Jaws" theme doesn't mean you're any more safe on these patches of sand. Here then, is our second installment of Killer Beaches--just in time for the weekend!
Zihuatanejo, Mexico is the latest spot that's earned a place on our Killer Beaches Map, after yet another shark attack this month. The latest cost an American surfer his thumb, but he was lucky to escape with his life: Two other surfers, one from Mexico and one from the States, were both fatally attacked in the same area earlier this year.
Environmental experts don't have an explanation for the growing shark problem, as Zihuatanejo hasn't traditionally been known for attacks. One government official says climate change may be the culprit while another says atypical ocean currents bringing giant squid to the area may be a factor.
While the beaches in Zihuatanejo haven't been closed, people are being warned against getting in the water. If you're hoping to wait out the trouble, we'd suggest doing it at one of these nice hotels.
We love Australia. It's gotta be the only country in the world where a swimmer who gets attacked by a shark laughs off the experience from his hospital bed.
After the 16-foot animal--believed to be a great white--bit swimmer Jason Cull on Saturday, he calmly tried to work himself out of trouble:
It banged straight into me ... I sort of punched it, and it grabbed me by the leg and dragged me under the water. I just remember being dragged backwards underwater. I felt along it, I found its eye and I poked it in the eye, and that's when it let go.
Ah, the old poke-it-in-the-eye trick: Works every time!
As for Middleton Beach, it was closed after the attack, and a couple more sharks were reported in the wake of Cull's encounter. Sounds like a good candidate for our Killer Beaches Map.
Have your summer beach trip all lined up? Hope you're not headed to one of this year's Killer Beaches, where for one reason or another, you're in danger the second you set foot on the sand.
From shark attacks to rip currents, the beaches that follow aren't necessarily deadly--but they can be. We've mapped 'em out so if you're still planning your getaway, you'll know which spots to avoid.
0 Comments - Add Yours
by egw
