Tourists warned after several blue sharks spotted at French beaches
Holidaymakers in the South of France and Corsica have been warned after a number of blue sharkshave been spotted near the coast over the past few days.
Swimming was reportedly banned at several popular beaches on France's Mediterranean coast over the weekend as sharks up to five and a half feet swam close to shore.
On Monday, French authorities said swimming could resume, but warned beachgoers to exercise caution.
Blue sharks are not usually aggressive, however, and any attacks on humans have usually been related to spear-fishing divers carrying dead fish.
Alexis Wargniez, a shark researcher, told the Daily Telegraph that the sharks were unlikely to be aggressive but advised swimmers not to touch or feed them, adding: "They may defend themselves if they're stressed."
The news comes just days after blue sharks forced the closure of six beaches in Barcelona.
Three blue sharks were spotted by lifeguards close to shore, and people were banned from swimming at the resorts of Premia del Mar and El Masnou as a safety precaution.
Hasina Ahmad from the Red Cross told Sky News: "Three sharks ... were spotted near the area where people swim, up to two metres from the shore - very close. They could be seen from the beach."
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