Diver hospitalized after apparent white shark encounter in Quebec

Diver hospitalized after shark encounter off Percé
Diver hospitalized after shark encounter off Percé
A great white shark swims past a boat off the coast near Cape Cod, Mass. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Charles Krupa
Writer

The Canadian Coast Guard says a diver was taken to hospital after being bitten by a shark off Percé, Que., on the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.

The Coast Guard says it was alerted to the incident at about 10:27 a.m. and paramedics met the vessel when it arrived in Percé.

Local diving centre Plongée Percé says the person received first aid before being transported to hospital for further evaluation.

The company says all of its diving activities have been suspended for the rest of the season as a precaution.

The Canadian Shark Attack Registry says this type of incident in Canadian waters is exceptionally rare.

The registry is maintained by the independent non-profit St. Lawrence Shark Observatory and contains 30 reported incidents dating back more than three centuries, only 15 of which are considered confirmed.

The observatory says white shark sightings and detections have become increasingly common in Atlantic Canada in recent years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026.

By Charlotte Glorieux | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

  • The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

Vancouver Sea-Doo rider hurt after hitting whale

Sea-Doo rider hurt after slamming into whale off Vancouver, animal's fate unclear

Whale appeared normal day after Sea-Doo crash

Whale in Vancouver Sea-Doo crash seen feeding, in good condition, next day: officials

Eligible Canadians can get money from CCB, OAS, CPP and other government payments in November

Some federal benefits are offering hundreds of dollars this month.

Suspect identified by police in violent Toronto home invasion

Police identify suspect in Toronto home invasion

This quaint little town is Canada's Cotswolds and feels like a trip to rural England

Skip the transatlantic flight and head here instead. ✈️