Dead 25ft monster shark washes belly-up on Cornwall coast offering rare glimpse of beast from the deep
The massive shark, which was spotted floating upside-down, is believed to be a basking shark
A MASSIVE 25ft shark has washed belly-up on rocks on the Cornish coast, allowing for a rare glimpse of a creature of the deep.
The massive shark, which was spotted floating upside-down, is believed to be a basking shark.
The animal was first spotted at Chapel Point, Mevagissey by photographer Matthew Facey using a drone around the area on Sunday.
Marine experts say that although basking sharks are a common sight in our waters, to see a dead one is a "rare opportunity".
Volunteers from the Marine Strandings Network at Cornwall Wildlife Trust were sent out 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."
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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."
She added: "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."
This month a relative of the great white shark was caught off the British coast after fishermen battled with it for nearly an hour.
And a monster man-eating Great White Shark was feared to be prowling off the British coast close to favourite holiday beaches.
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