Great white shark decapitates diver in first fatal attack of 2023, report reveals

A 5.7 metre great white shark decapitated a diver earlier this month, reportedly marking the first fatal shark attack of the year.

A 5.7 metre great white shark decapitated a diver earlier this month as he harvested shellfish off the coast of Mexico, reportedly marking the first fatal shark attack of the year.

A 5.7 metre great white shark decapitated a diver earlier this month as he harvested shellfish off the coast of Mexico, reportedly marking the first fatal shark attack of the year.

The horrific tragedy occurred January 5 while Manuel Lopez, 53, was gathering ax tripe — a type of mollusc — off Benito Juárez in Sonora, on the west coast of Mexico, Tracking Sharks reported.

According to theNew York Post, he was said to have been diving from the town of Paredón Colorado to the ocean floor without an oxygen tank to nab the critters, which typically reside at depths of 10 to 18 metres.

Mr Lopez’s shellfishing expedition was cut short when the shark bit his head clean off, according to Tracking Sharks.

“He was diving when the animal attacked him, impressively ripping off his head and biting both shoulders,” eyewitness Jose Bernal told the outlet.

The attack follows an increase in local shark sightings that have area fishermen on high alert. “Local divers had been warned about the presence of sharks in the area, and most had not been out for several days,” said Mr Bernal.

A 5.7 metre great white shark decapitated a diver earlier this month as he harvested shellfish off the coast of Mexico, reportedly marking the first fatal shark attack of the year.

However, Mr Lopez, who was reportedly in need of money, saw an opportunity to make a killing due to the shellfish shortage.

He allegedly decided to ignore the warnings and embark on what would be his final fishing trip.

It’s unclear what prompted the apex predator to attack, but the shark could have been attracted to the turbulence and sounds generated by Mr Lopez while he was harvesting molluscs, Tracking Sharks reported.

Humans are also often mistaken for seals while wearing wetsuits, which can prompt sharks to take “experimental” bites. And while the creatures generally move on after realising the victim isn’t their preferred prey, this exploratory nibble can prove catastrophic due to the shark’s rows of serrated, meat-shearing teeth.

Divers are more likely to be mistaken for seals come December and January, when great white sharks are most prevalent in the Gulf of California, Tracking Sharks noted.

Pregnant sharks are said to be searching for fat-filled sea lions during that time.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission

Originally published as Great white shark decapitates diver in first fatal attack of 2023, report reveals