Menorca shark terror as families ‘circled’ and British ordered out of sea

British tourists have been ordered to evacuate the sea as a shark was reported to be ‘surrounding’ families in Menorca. A family’s day at the beach turned into a scary scene when they found themselves surrounded by a shark off the Spanish coast.

While enjoying the waters at Playa Arenal d’en Castell, Menorca, 27-year-old Jessica Kenny and her young son had a close encounter with the marine predator. Jessica, from Liverpool, a GP receptionist, was in the water with her four-year-old when she noticed the shark heading towards her dad Darren, 57.

Monday he was swimming towards some buoys. Alarmed sunbathers quickly alerted the lifeguard, prompting an immediate call for assistance.

READ MORE: Tragedy as much-loved Birmingham dad dies in freak holiday accident in Turkey

Get breaking news BirminghamLive WhatsApp

The situation escalated when people on the beach began shouting and signaling for the lifeguard, who responded by raising red flags and calling for backup. While the children were quickly removed from the water, some people were allowed to get close enough to capture images of the shark.

Recalling the incident, Jessica said: “I was only waist-deep with my little boy – while my dad had swam ahead. We were laughing and joking because it was cold.

“Then I saw a strange thing come out of the water – I joked that it must be a shark. But we didn’t really believe it.”

“It was quite strange, zig-zagging around us. As it got closer, we realized the thing sticking out of the water was a fin. We were like, ‘Oh my God, that’s a shark.’

As the reality of the situation dawned on them, Jessica and her son scrambled out of the water, while others on the beach initially reacted with laughter. However, the seriousness of the situation became apparent when it became clear that the shark, believed to be a blue shark, was heading towards Darren, who then returned to shore.

Jessica said: “We lost sight of each other after we got back. But then I saw that he was following my father back to the beach. It revolved around him – but it wasn’t going for him.

“Honestly, it was so scary, but my dad loves everything to do with the sea. When we got back to the beach, he was so excited.”

Jessica and Darren struggled to calm their son, who was left “a bit upset and worried” by the incident. “My dad was telling him how lucky he was to have seen a shark at four years old,” she continued. “In all his 57 years, he has never seen one. They decided to name him Freddie.”

The family left the beach at 4:35 p.m., an hour after the initial sighting of the shark, while lifeguards were still trying to drive it away. Darren, who drives trucks for a living, said: “It was such a surreal experience.”

“I’ve always wanted to see a shark – even snorkeled in Jamaica and Cuba just so I could spot one. I can’t believe I swam with one in Menorca, with my daughter and grandson.”