Dusky sharks kill swimmer in rare attack.

Dusky sharks, typically harmless, killed a swimmer in the Mediterranean in a rare attack linked to human interaction.

Why it matters

  • First documented case of dusky sharks killing a human.
  • Highlights risks of human-shark interaction and feeding practices.

By the numbers

  • Incident occurred on 21 April 2025.
  • Victim was a 40-year-old tourist snorkeling off Hadera, Israel.
  • Multiple sharks involved in the attack.

The big picture

  • Dusky sharks are usually not aggressive towards humans.
  • Human activities like feeding sharks may have contributed to the attack.
  • Scientists recommend banning shark feeding to prevent future incidents.

What they're saying

  • Comments note the incident involved dusky sharks in the Mediterranean.
  • Human interaction and feeding practices are blamed for the attack.
  • Responsibility for the incident lies with humans.

Caveats

  • The incident is a rare case involving a typically non-aggressive species.
  • Human activities and feeding practices are significant contributing factors.

What’s next

  • Recommendations include banning shark feeding to maintain a healthier distance between sharks and humans.