MONTREAL – A diver was hospitalized after sustaining injuries from a shark bite off Percé, Quebec, located at the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that they were alerted to the incident around 10:27 a.m. and promptly dispatched paramedics to meet the vessel upon its arrival in Percé.

The local diving center, Plongée Percé, confirmed that the injured individual received first aid at the scene before being transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Following the incident, the diving company announced a suspension of all its diving activities for the remainder of the season as a precautionary measure.

According to the Canadian Shark Attack Registry, shark bite incidents in Canadian waters are extremely rare. The registry, which is maintained by the independent, non-profit St. Lawrence Shark Observatory, has documented a total of 30 reported shark attacks over the past three centuries, with only 15 of those incidents being classified as confirmed attacks.

In recent years, the observatory has noted an increase in white shark sightings and detections in Atlantic Canada, indicating a potential shift in the behavior and presence of these marine predators in the region. This uptick has raised concerns among divers and marine enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and safety measures while engaging in water activities.

This incident, occurring on September 16, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine life, even in areas where such occurrences are rare. As a result of the dive center's precautionary actions, divers and local residents will be closely monitoring the situation as they await further assessments regarding the safety of diving operations in the region.