Ireland: Researcher injured in shark attack during tagging mission

Sebastian Achim was seriously injured by a shark bite while participating in a research activity off the coast of Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, on August 11.

Achim and his team were on a small vessel with the intention of catching, tagging, and releasing sharks. While attempting to handle a blue shark, the animal suddenly lunged and bit Achim’s leg. Despite the injury, the crew prioritized returning the shark to the water to prevent further panic.

Achim stated that he does not blame the animal, noting that it was likely acting on survival instinct. He remarked, “the fish was right,” suggesting the attack was a natural response to being handled. After the incident, Achim applied a rope as a makeshift tourniquet to his wound while the crew contacted emergency services. The vessel was approximately three hours away from the coast when the incident occurred.