An ocean trench off Indian River County is called Shark Alley. Why? Paul Janensch tells us in this Treasure Coast Essay.
This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about Shark Alley. Two underwater reefs parallel the Treasure Coast. Off Indian River County, the trench between the reefs is called Shark Alley. For good reason. The first reef – some of it man-made to prevent beach erosion -- is about 20 yards out. The second reef is beyond that. When swimming, stay out of Shark Alley. Because that’s where sharks look for fish on which to feed. On May 22, a woman was bitten on her leg by a small shark about 100 yards off Sexton Plaza. She was fixed up with stitches and antibiotics. Four years ago, a visitor from Germany was attacked by a large shark off Humiston Beach and almost lost her left leg. Shark encounters are rare. But why take chances? Swim where there is a life guard and avoid Shark Alley. I’m Paul Janensch.
