Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A young shark spotted off a central Playa del Carmen beach forced authorities to temporarily close the area Friday. The State Civil Protection department asked swimmers to avoid the water until further notice.
On Friday, State Civil Protection informed the public that “as a preventative measure, the beach area from 72nd to 88th Street has been temporarily closed due to a possible sighting of a baby shark.” The young shark was seen swimming off the coast by on-duty lifeguards.
Civil Protection indicated that lifeguard teams remain on constant alert, working to ensure everyone’s safety. They also urged the public to remain calm, follow the instructions of beach staff and avoid entering the sea in these areas until further notice.
Darwin Covarrubias, the head of State Civil Protection and Risk Prevention, stated that at least one shark pup was seen by lifeguards on a central beach, which was the reason for the temporary swimming restriction.
“The shark pups were there for a short time. We did a walk-through to take precautions in case of any problems and also to protect them,” he said.
Darwin Covarrubias stated that with the support of workers from the Caribbean nautical industry, they boarded boats Friday to verify that the pups had left the area, adding that lifeguards continue to monitor the water.
Saving Our Sharks Director Pamela Vázquez reported that the sighting of baby sharks is a sign that the oceans are healthy, especially during July which is recognized as Shark Month with World Shark Day being observed on July 14th.
