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Huge 25ft dead shark washes up on Cornwall coast

A monster 25ft shark has washed up on rocks on the Cornish coast.

The massive shark, which was spotted floating upside-down at Chapel Point, Mevagissey, is believed to be a basking shark.

Marine experts say that although basking sharks are a common sight in our waters, to see a dead one is a "rare opportunity".

The animal was first spotted by photographer Matthew Facey using a drone to take pictures of the stunning coastline around the area on Sunday, which was shared to Cornwall Live.

The deceased shark is seen lying belly-up in the water - Credit: Cornwall Live
The deceased shark is seen lying belly-up in the water Credit: Cornwall Live

Volunteers from the Marine Strandings Network at Cornwall Wildlife Trust have been sent to the scene to assess the giant animal, confirm what species it is and find out more.

Niki Clear from the Marine Strandings Network said: "The shark was reported to us early last night.

"We didn't want to send anyone down there at night, so we decided to hold off until today and cross our fingers that it was still there.

"Once our team of volunteers get to the shark, they will try to take measurements of its length and fins etc. and make sure to take plenty of photographs of it. Sadly this one is quite decomposed already. But all the information helps us analyse it and learn more about basking sharks."

The video below shows the huge animal sadly washed up by the rocks at Chapel Point.

Ms Clear said that if the team confirm the dead shark is a basking shark it will be a "rare opportunity" for study, as the creatures don't often wash up.

She added: "Once the team have confirmed it is a basking shark, and finished all analysis, they will contact Exeter University and Plymouth University to see if any samples are needed.

"They are an extremely interesting species to study.

"Because basking sharks only eat plankton, they can help to show the overall marine health.

"This part of the world is a hotspot for basking sharks, but when they die, their carcasses sink, so they don't often wash up. This means that this is a very rare opportunity for us."

A number of the gentle giants have already been spotted around Cornwall this year, and Ms Clear said that April and May are the best months to spot the amazing creatures.

She added: "We are just at the beginning of the season at the moment. A few have already been spotted off Cornwall, we have had sightings from the Lizard and Mounts Bay.

"The best time to see basking sharks is between April and May, after that they move north. We do sometimes get to see a few at the end of September as well.

"The last couple of years have been quite poor for basking shark sightings, so hopefully the sightings so far are a good sign.

"It all depends on where the food is as to when and where you will be able to see them."

The amazing photograph below shows one basking shark swim close in to the shore to stun visitors at Porthcurno Beach.

It is hoped that more sightings will be reported to help Cornwall Wildlife Trust research the amazing animals that call Cornwall home.

Ms Clear said: "If anyone comes across a dead animal in the sea, they can contact the Marine Strandings Network on 0345 201 2626.

"People can also call the same number if they witness any sea animals being caused distress such as being harassed by people or boats – sadly this is a problem in Cornwall.

"If there are any animals that look like they are stuck or trapped or in need of help, people can contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.

"Lastly, any sightings at all can be reported on our website www.orks.org.uk all sightings are really important as they help with our research.

"The forms are really quick and easy to fill out, so if people could take the time to report any sea life they spot this year, that would be greatly appreciated."

Basking shark hotspots in Britain

 

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