A fisherman has issued a warning after a close encounter with a shark two miles off the coast in Cardigan Bay.

Declan Williams was fishing in his kayak two miles off the coast of Tywyn on Tuesday when a seven-foot mako shark tried to steal his catch.

The Fishguard-based kayak fisherman was out on the water with a friend near Bryn y Mor caravan park at around 2pm on Tuesday fishing for mackerel when he hooked a tope fish.

Declan explained: “When we hooked onto a tope fish up off Bryn y Mor caravan site, just after we got the tope next to our kayak, this shark came up to try and snatch it.

“We estimate this shark to be at least seven feet long and an adult. It swam super fast and disappeared quickly towards the shore.

“We’ve caught thresher and porbeagle sharks from a boat before and seen plenty, but never have we seen a mako this close and in Welsh waters!

“This is highly concerning, particularly because mako sharks will attack humans if they want to, and they are quick!”

Declan added: “Recently at Tywyn in July an angel shark was hooked by another kayaker off Tonfanau point, which is unheard of, and last week a thresher shark was seen by a boat three miles off Aberdyfi."

The shortfin mako is able to reach swimming speeds of nearly 50mph, making it the fastest shark in the sea.

As well as being able to dive to depths of more than 400 feet, they can jump as high as 20 feet out of the water.

Shortfin makos are spotted in waters all over the globe, and – although rare – are found from time to time in the seas around the UK and Ireland.