Are There Sharks in Malta? Unveiling the Mysteries of the Deep
When planning your dream Mediterranean getaway, the thought of lurking sea monsters might not top your list of attractions. However, Malta, with its extensive history and crystal-clear waters, holds fascinating tales of sea creatures that have intrigued and captivated locals and visitors alike for centuries. So, let’s dive into the myths, legends, and realities of sharks in Malta, and answer the question “Is it safe to swim?”.
Mythical Monsters of Malta
Malta’s deep blue waters have long been the stage for stories of colossal sea monsters. One of the most famous legends is that of the ‘silfjun’, a creature described in folk tales from the 16th century as a whale-sized shark haunting the waters around the island of Filfla, just off Malta’s southeastern coast. This term was often used by the Maltese to refer to the Great White shark, and the evidence supporting these tales can be found in the numerous fossilized teeth of the prehistoric Megalodon embedded in the island’s limestone rock.
Records from the 1600s describe terrifying encounters with these sea monsters. In 1642, Giovanni Francesco Abela documented a “terrifying marine monster with double rows of teeth” that washed ashore at Mellieha Bay. Similarly, the German scholar Athanasius Kircher spoke of a monstrous sea devil on the sands of Mellieha Bay, questioning why such creatures existed.
These tales aren’t limited to ancient times. In 1890, two Maltese fishermen were reportedly killed by a large shark off Marsaskala Bay, and shortly after, a massive fish weighing over 600 kg was caught in Mellieha. The last known fatal shark attack in Maltese waters occurred over 60 years ago, in 1956, involving a British naval officer.
The Legendary Catch of Blue Grotto
Malta’s connection with sharks is not just about myth and tragedy; it also includes remarkable feats of fishing. On April 17, 1987, local fisherman Alfredo Cutajar captured what is believed to be the largest Great White shark ever caught, near the Blue Grotto. This massive female shark measured over 7 meters in length and weighed more than 3 tons. Inside its stomach, a 2-meter blue shark, a 2.5-meter dolphin, and a 70cm turtle were found, highlighting the sheer size and power of this incredible creature.
Alfredo’s method of capture, using fishing lines from floats typically used for tuna and swordfish, and his traditional Maltese fishing boat (dgħajsa), made this achievement even more extraordinary. His feat brought him local fame, and photos of his catch can still be seen in bars and restaurants around Blue Grotto in Wied iż–Żurrieq.
The Reality: Is it Safe to Swim?
After these thrilling stories, you might be wondering about the safety of swimming in Malta’s waters. Shark attacks in Malta are extremely rare despite the legendary and historical accounts. In the past century, there has only been one recorded fatal shark attack, and that was over sixty years ago.
To put this into perspective, Australia, known for its shark encounters, saw 26 deaths from shark attacks between 2007 and 2018, with an average of 1.5 fatalities per year. The chances of encountering a shark in Malta are exceedingly slim. You’re statistically more likely to suffer from heatstroke under the Mediterranean sun than to be attacked by a shark.
So, rest assured, the waters around Malta are generally safe for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. While the sea monsters of yesteryear were captivating in stories, they pose little threat to modern-day adventurers. And while Malta’s legends of monstrous sea creatures add a thrilling dimension to our history, the reality is far less frightening. Yes, sharks do exist in Maltese waters, but they are rare, and attacks are even rarer. So go ahead, take the plunge, and explore the beautiful Mediterranean sea surrounding the islands without fear!
