Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a swift response to a tragic incident, authorities in Jalisco, Mexico, have closed Melaque Beach, south of Puerto Vallarta, after a woman succumbed to injuries sustained from a shark bite. The Jalisco State Civil Protection and Firefighters Unit announced this precautionary measure on Monday, November 4, at around 10:30 a.m., citing the possible presence of the shark in nearby waters.
The beach, a popular destination for both national and international visitors, lies between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. The victim, identified as 26-year-old María Fernanda Martínez Jiménez, was attacked while protecting her five-year-old son from the shark. Witnesses report that after noticing the shark, she swam to an inflatable device and secured her child’s safety, but was then bitten by the marine predator.
In response to the incident, the authorities have raised a purple flag along the coastline, stretching from Melaque to Barra de Navidad. This signifies a high alert due to the presence of dangerous marine life, effectively prohibiting entry into the sea.
The purple flag is one of several used to indicate varying conditions along beaches:
- Green flag: Safe conditions for water activities.
- Yellow flag: Caution advised; follow the instructions of the authorities.
- Black flag: Beach closure due to poor sea and sand conditions, posing serious health risks.
- Red flag: Entry into the sea prohibited due to unfavorable conditions for water activities.
This incident has brought to light the importance of heeding these flags for the safety of beachgoers. The local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
