A diver sustained injuries from a great white shark in Percé, Quebec, and was promptly taken to a hospital in the Gaspé region, as reported by the Canadian Coast Guard around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The individual received immediate first aid at the scene before being transported for further evaluation, with confirmation that their life was not at risk. The victim was on the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary dive boat, Yoda. The exact nature of the injuries was not confirmed by the organization by Wednesday afternoon.
Witness Kevin Dubé, a boat captain, described the quick response to the incident, with the injured diver brought ashore in a dinghy and swiftly taken to the hospital by waiting ambulances. Plongée Percé expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts on Facebook and announced the suspension of diving activities for the season.
The region has seen an increase in great white shark sightings over the summer, particularly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, off the Gaspé Peninsula, and the Magdalen Islands. Ocearch, a non-profit organization tracking sharks, is monitoring four sharks in the area, including Webster, Ernst, Bella, and Nori. These sightings are seen as positive signs of ocean restoration, with a noted recovery in shark populations compared to their near decimation in past decades.
Ocearch founder Chris Fischer highlighted the importance of sharks in maintaining marine ecosystems by regulating seal populations and supporting fish stocks. The presence of sharks benefits local fisheries, as they help maintain the balance in the marine food chain.
The influx of great white sharks in the region is attributed to the growing grey seal populations, drawing the sharks as seasonal visitors to the Canadian Atlantic waters. Experts emphasize that while encounters with sharks are not uncommon in the area, understanding and coexisting with these animals is essential. The Canadian Shark Attack Registry has recorded only 15 confirmed shark-related incidents in Canada over more than 330 years.
The rise in shark sightings is seen as a positive development for marine ecosystems, with sharks playing a crucial role in balancing the marine food chain. Researchers and experts stress the importance of cohabitating with these creatures in their natural habitat.
