Two bathers were bitten by a fur seal this morning near the bathing area of Praia Formosa, in Funchal, prompting authorities to suspend access to the sea. The lifeguard ordered everyone out of the water immediately and kept bathing closed as a precaution. A red flag was raised, and the Maritime Police and Nature Rangers were sent to the scene to watch the animal’s movements. The two people affected, one a tourist and the other a Madeiran resident, suffered only minor injuries. Paulo Oliveira, from the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), told TSF-Madeira that neither case appeared serious, adding that the tourist did not need assistance and the Madeiran bather was being evaluated. He also stressed that fur seals are protected and much-loved in Madeira, but they are still wild animals and should not be approached, touched or encouraged to interact. Authorities said the correct response is to stay calm, move away slowly and leave the water, while anyone who spots a fur seal should report it to the IFCN with details such as the date, time, location, behaviour and number of animals observed.
