A small fishing boat met its fate in the waters of Matanzas Bay after being struck by an unidentified sea creature. The question on everyone's mind is, could it have been a shark? This mystery remains unresolved for the fishermen involved, who reported seeing a dark silhouette and a fin near the scene of the incident.
The event unfolded near the well-known Boya Roja, involving fishermen Alexander Fernández and Jorge Luis Ceballos, who were promptly rescued by fellow fishermen. According to statements made by Fernández to the local publication Girón, the incident took place as dusk fell during a bonito fishing expedition.
Sudden Impact and Rescue Efforts
While casting lures after spotting schools of fish, the boat experienced a sudden jolt, causing Fernández to lose his balance. Alarmingly, they noticed a 20-centimeter hole in the bottom of the vessel. "It was like a hard knock, a shove," Fernández described.
Water began pouring in rapidly, prompting the fishermen to attempt plugging the hole with a blanket and bailing out water with a bucket, but their efforts were in vain. They immediately sought help, contacting the Coast Guard and nearby fishing boats.
Yuniel, a fellow fisherman, was one of the first to respond, followed by four other boats that ceased their activities to assist in the rescue. "I'm sinking, throw me the rope," Fernández managed to shout, as rescuers salvaged some fishing equipment before the boat went under.
Boat Recovery and Repair
Days later, a recovery operation was underway with several divers and five boats. The sunken vessel was lifted to the surface using ropes and towed to Los Pinos beach, then transported to the Luis Salgado fishing base on the San Juan River. Repairs took about a week, after which the fishermen resumed their usual activities.
Speculation on the Mysterious Creature
To date, the identity of the creature responsible for the impact remains unknown. However, Fernández and Ceballos recall a "dark silhouette" moving away from the scene, which included a fin. Speculation ranges from a blue shark to a defensive dolphin, both capable of inflicting such damage. "It clearly had the strength to create such a hole," Fernández noted, emphasizing the new and sturdy construction of the boat's boards.
Despite the unnerving experience, the fishermen returned to the sea days later. Fernández admitted feeling uneasy initially but regained confidence over time. Yet, the question lingers: Was it indeed a shark?
Shark Attacks in Cuba: Rare but Not Unheard Of
Although more than 50 shark species, including the dangerous bull, tiger, and hammerhead sharks, inhabit Cuban waters, attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Between 1749 and 2023, around 47 incidents were recorded, with approximately 23 being fatal.
In recent decades, unprovoked attacks have been limited. Notable incidents include the November 2017 death of a 22-year-old attacked at night in Guardalavaca, and in May 2023, the tragic death of spearfisher Maro Alejandro Díaz Jiménez due to a bull shark attack in Mayabeque's "Ojo de Tiburón." In March of the same year, a 17-year-old survived a shark bite while fishing near Artemisa. An April 2024 incident involved a hammerhead shark attacking a fishing raft near Havana, but no injuries were reported.
While shark attacks in Cuba have historical precedents, particularly involving fishing activities, they remain statistically rare compared to other coastal hazards.
Understanding Shark Incidents in Cuba
How common are shark attacks in Cuba?
Shark attacks in Cuba are quite rare, with only about 47 recorded incidents since 1749, including 23 fatalities.
What species of sharks are found in Cuban waters?
Cuban waters are home to over 50 shark species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks.
What precautions can fishermen take to avoid shark encounters?
Fishermen can minimize shark encounters by avoiding fishing during dusk or dawn, staying in groups, and avoiding areas known for high shark activity.