The great whites are back in action on the South African coastline, and the National Sea Rescue Institute NSRI) issued a warned on Saturday [November 7] for the Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay coastline, as well as the coastline between Tsitsikamma and Port Elizabeth.
In a statement, NSRI warned beach-goers about a number of sharks, believed to great white sharks, that were spotted in the surfline at Cape St Francis main swimming beach.
“Bathers, paddlers and surfers are urged to be cautious in the area. This is an urgent cautionary appeal to bathers and surfers specifically at Cape St Francis main swimming beach that extends for the duration of this weekend,” said NSRI.
There is no need to be alarmed, this is considered normal shark activity for this time of the year.
“The reasons for the greater number of sharks present at Cape St Francis main swimming beach is not known although it may be related to the normal inshore shark behaviour that happens at this time of the year.
“Lifeguards and NSRI St Francis Bay crew will make an effort to attend at Cape St Francis main swimming beach to appeal to bathers not to enter the water at Cape St Francis main beach over this weekend but we are also appealing to the public to take heed of this shark alert,” they said.
They urged the public to exercise extra caution between Tsitsikamma and Port Elizabeth, and in particular at Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay in relation to this shark alert.
Picture: GEORGE DESIPRIS/Pexels