Plymouth swimmers spot 'shark' in the water at Royal William Yard

Clare Ainsworth
·2-min read
-Credit: (Image: www.dommoore.co.uk)
-Credit: (Image: www.dommoore.co.uk)


A shark has been spotted approaching Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, much to the surprise of swimmers and onlookers. With its distinctive dorsal fin cutting through the water, the sizeable specimen swam along the coastline of the Sound, before turning to head inland towards Firestone Arch, at Royal William Yard.

Its appearance drew a crowd, who were captivated for more than an hour by the unusual sight. The shark was one of many expected sightings at Royal William Yard over the coming weeks because yesterday marked the start of Shark Month.

In reality, the ‘shark’ spotted along the Plymouth shoreline was actually a custom-made model, created by the team at Royal William Yard and sailed underwater by Caroline Robertson‑Brown, from the Shark Trust, who donned scuba-diving gear for the occasion.

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The stunt took place to launch Shark Month in style and draw attention to the work of the leading international conservation charity, which is based in Britain’s Ocean City.

Spectators were reassured that the water was safe and many entered into the spirit of the performance, swimming or sailing alongside the shark.

-Credit:www.dommoore.co.uk
-Credit:www.dommoore.co.uk

Shark Month will take place at Royal William Yard throughout July and will feature an extravaganza of art, entertainment and advocacy for everyone to enjoy.

The packed programme of events starts with an art exhibition and ends with a trip on paddleboards with shark experts – with everything from a shark quiz to a Jaws screening in between.

Paul Cox, chief executive of the Shark Trust, said: “There are often assumptions and misconceptions when it comes to sharks. This was certainly the case with the shark spotted at Royal William Yard!

-Credit:www.dommoore.co.uk
-Credit:www.dommoore.co.uk

"While the British coastline is home to many species of shark, this was not one of them. However, we’re thrilled it caught people’s attention, because seeing a shark is a special and memorable moment.

"That is precisely why we want to celebrate these incredible creatures, highlight the need for conservation, and ask for help to safeguard their future.”

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