A Belfast fisherman was left with a serious lower arm injury after being bitten by a blue shark during an angling trip off the coast of Ireland, in an incident authorities described as more of an angling accident than a deliberate shark attack.
The drama unfolded approximately 13 miles offshore from Crosshaven, near Cork, at around 6pm yesterday. The fisherman was aboard the angling boat Deora De when he was savaged by the blue shark, triggering a rapid emergency response from local authorities and the RNLI.
Immediate medical treatment was administered on board the vessel before the injured man was transferred to shore for hospital care. The RNLI, which assisted in the rescue operation, reported that the fisherman became involved in a violent struggle while attempting to bring the shark aboard.
“This was more of an angling accident than a shark attack,” an RNLI spokesman explained. “There was a bit of a struggle when pulling the shark on board. We’re not trying to panic anyone.”
The RNLI lifeboat sped alongside the Deora De to assist in bringing the casualty safely back to shore for emergency treatment. Images from the scene show the injured fisherman being carefully removed from the boat as rescuers worked to stabilise the situation.
Blue sharks are the most common species of shark found in Irish waters. They can reach a maximum length of just under four metres and have a lifespan of up to 20 years. Their typical diet consists of small fish, squid, mackerel, tunas, lobsters, crabs, smaller sharks, and occasionally seabirds. While they generally target smaller prey, they are known to scavenge on large mammal carrion when the opportunity arises.
The incident, which occurred 13 miles off a rocky coastline near Cork, highlights the unpredictable risks inherent in deep-sea angling, even in waters not typically associated with frequent shark threats to humans. Authorities moved swiftly to manage the situation, ensuring the fisherman received prompt care while downplaying any broader public safety concerns.
As the angler recovers in hospital, the event serves as a sobering reminder of the powerful forces at play when humans venture into the marine environment — and the thin line between a successful catch and a dangerous encounter.