A temporary closure has been enacted at Siboney Beach, the primary seaside destination in Santiago de Cuba, following the spotting of a shark in the area. This alert was shared on social media this Tuesday by Aris Arias Batalla, the Provincial Head of Operations and Rescue for Aquatic Safety.
The incident unfolded on Sunday when beachgoers caught sight of the creature approaching the shoreline during the afternoon.
Witnesses reported that the shark was approximately two meters in length, and its behavior suggested it might be ill or injured.
The presence of the shark prompted swimmers to quickly exit the water, fearing a potential attack.
“Witnesses immediately left the water to avoid a potential attack from the marine visitor. Reports indicate the shark continues to roam the Siboney shoreline,” Arias stated in his communication.
The decision to close the beach temporarily was made as authorities assess whether the shark remains nearby or has moved away from the coast.
Several organizations have been mobilized to address the situation, including the XX Aniversario Polyclinic, the Risk Management Center, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), the Lifeguard Corps, and Red Cross volunteers from nearby areas.
Despite the warnings, Arias confirmed that some individuals have continued to enter the water: “I spoke with a local volunteer who mentioned that, despite the warnings, people are still in the water.”
Authorities are urging beachgoers to heed the instructions of the Lifeguard Corps and police to prevent accidents or loss of life.
Individuals with additional information regarding the shark sighted at Siboney are encouraged to contact Aris Arias Batalla at 59998330 or 52720069.
Siboney Beach, located about 15 km east of Santiago city, is the most frequented beach in the province, especially crowded between June and September.
This is not an unprecedented situation in Cuba. In December 2024, several sharks swam close to the shore at Cayo Santa María in Villa Clara, leading to a temporary evacuation of swimmers in front of the Royalton Hotel.
Earlier this year in May, a large shark was captured at Yumurí Beach in Baracoa, Guantánamo, an event that went viral on social media and highlighted the presence of large specimens in Cuban waters just before the Siboney incident.
Historically, shark attacks are extremely rare in Cuba: between 1749 and 2023, approximately 47 incidents have been recorded across the archipelago, with 23 confirmed fatalities.
The last recorded fatal attack occurred in November 2017 in Guardalavaca, Holguín, where a 22-year-old man tragically lost his life.
Understanding Shark Sightings in Cuba
What measures are being taken to ensure safety at Siboney Beach?
Authorities have temporarily closed the beach and activated several organizations, including the Lifeguard Corps and the Risk Management Center, to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
How common are shark sightings in Cuba?
Shark sightings are relatively uncommon in Cuba, with only 47 incidents recorded between 1749 and 2023, indicating that such events are rare but not unheard of.
How should beachgoers react if they see a shark?
Beachgoers should calmly and swiftly exit the water, alert others, and inform local authorities or lifeguards to ensure the safety of all visitors.