What some are describing as a great white shark was spotted in Sliema earlier last week. There has been much debate over the issue with Marine Biologist Prof Alan Deidun stating it is a blue shark or a porbeagle. Incidentally a Great White is a species of Mackerel Shark .
This exclusive video obtained by The Maltese Herald clearly shows that attributes of what may be a white shark. The shark is eating what appears to be the carcass of a dead tuna, not uncommon in Maltese waters with all the fish farms around.
National Aquarium curator Daniel De Castro said the shark seen in the video is most likely a great white.
“The way it breaches from below the surface is very characteristic of a great white,” De Castro explained after reviewing the footage. “The broad, triangular dorsal fin and the distinct notch on the tail are other clear indicators.”
Although De Castro acknowledged that a mako shark was another possibility, its close proximity to the shore makes a great white the more probable identification. While great white sharks can pose a danger to humans, such encounters are extremely rare.
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