The person involved, whose name has not been released, was allegedly bitten on the leg by a blue shark during an excursion near Penzance. The snorkeler received first aid and, following advice from HM Coastguard, received further treatment ashore by ambulance crews following the incident last Thursday. Blue Shark Snorkel Trips, the company that organized the tour, said such incidents were “extremely rare” and that they were “in ongoing conversations with shark experts” about what had happened. The company said in a statement on its Facebook page: “As we know, these things can happen when we choose to interact with wild animals in their own environment. “The last thing we want is to let speculation lead the media into a world of bad press for sharks through no fault of their own. We immediately instituted the emergency response plan, with first aid administered to the person involved. “After advice and assessment from the Coast Guard, the person was removed from the vessel and received further treatment ashore.” The company shared a statement from the victim, who said: “I just wanted to say that despite how the trip ended, it was amazing to see such majestic creatures in the wild and I don’t want one moment to tarnish this horrible event. the reputation of an already extinct species. “I wanted to thank everyone for their amazing actions. What was a very scary incident was made much easier by the kindness and calmness of the people around me. “Thank you to the trip team for getting me back to shore quickly and carefully and making me feel as safe as possible. We all take these risks when we enter a predator’s habitat, and we can never fully predict the reactions of a wild animal.” Blue sharks visit the UK in the summer from the Caribbean and are known to feed mainly on small fish and squid. The species is known to attack seabirds and other small sharks, according to the Wildlife Trusts. UK-based charity Shark Trust says there have been no “unprovoked” shark bites in British waters since 1847, when records began. HM Coastguard said in a statement: “HM Coastguard dispatched the Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team to meet a snorkeler who had suffered a suspected shark bite. “The coast guard was notified shortly before 12.30 noon on Thursday. It is estimated that the swimmer suffered a leg injury. The coastguard team met the casualty at Penzance harbor to help hand him over to the care of the ambulance service.’
