Shark sighting in the river Thames sparks online frenzy

LONDON: A recent sighting of a shark in the river Thames has generated significant buzz online, drawing comparisons to a similar scenario depicted in the recent Netflix movie “Under Paris.”

A young woman walking near Hammersmith Bridge in west London claimed to have sighted a mysterious fin cutting through the water. Initially mistaking it for a floating object, the pair were astonished to realise it was likely a shark.

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The footage showed what appears to be a huge fin. Experts have identified the fin as belonging to a tope shark, a critically endangered species that can grow up to more than a metre.

The River Thames has been known to host several shark species, including tope sharks.

Tope sharks are characterised by their grey upper body and white belly, along with two dorsal fins and a distinctive notched tail. They pose no threat to humans and primarily feed on smaller fish.

Sharks have existed for around 450 million years. They are vital to marine ecosystems but face severe threats from persecution and exploitation.

The appearance of a shark in the River Thames has sparked widespread fascination on social media, with many users drawing comparisons to the fictional giant shark featured in the movie Under Paris.

The movie portrays a monstrous shark causing havoc in the River Seine in Paris, capturing the public’s imagination and fueling speculation that reality may be echoing the film’s dramatic scenes.

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Comments on social media have included speculations about whether “Under Paris” was a premonition of real-life events.