Surprise catch: giant tuna washes up on beach in Torre de la Horadada
Beachgoers had an unexpected start to the week when a large tuna appeared on the sand at dawn
Holidaymakers in Torre de la Horadada got quite a surprise on Monday morning, when a large tuna was found washed up on the sand at Las Villas beach.It was just before 6.45am when early risers heading down to the shore spotted the sizeable fish stranded near the water’s edge. Local authorities were called out to assess the situation, and confirmed that the animal was indeed a dead tuna, measuring over a metre in length.
The fish was quickly and safely removed, and the beach remained open to swimmers, with no disruption to the usual start-of-August holiday crowds.
This marks the second tuna-related find on the local coastline in just a few days. Last weekend, the head of another tuna was discovered on nearby Jesuitas Beach. And last summer, a similar scene played out at the very same spot, when bathers helped haul a large tuna out of the sea by hand.
In recent years, sightings of tuna and other large sea creatures washing up on southern Spanish shores have become more common. Last October, powerful storm surges linked to Storm Kirk brought in a string of marine surprises, including a massive tuna and even a giant squid, which turned up along the coast between Murcia and Almería .
While the exact reasons behind these beachside appearances aren't always clear, changing sea temperatures, strong currents and stormy weather are all likely to play a role.
For now, though, holidaymakers in Torre de la Horadada can rest easy. Monday’s unexpected visitor may have made a splash, but it certainly didn’t spoil anyone’s swim.
You might also like: Why jellyfish are invading Spanish beaches this summer
Image: Patou Ricard/Pixabay
See more news about animals in Spain:
OR
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin to get a comprehensive email with all the week’s news for Spain, Murcia, Alicante and Andalucía.
Get a sneak peek – here are a few of our recent Subscription Bulletins:
Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
