Dolphins harass tourists in Japan, 48 attacked in Fukui Prefecture

Japan was left stunned as reports surfaced of dolphins sexually harassing humans. At least 48 people have been sexually assaulted by dolphins, with the incidents taking place at a beach in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, last week.

Reports from NHK Japan and the British tabloid Daily Star indicate that several tourists were violently attacked by dolphins while swimming. Among the victims were tourists who suffered bite injuries and a primary school boy who was bitten on the finger, requiring 20 to 30 stitches.

Nakase, a 62 year old diving instructor, disclosed that he was attacked multiple times by a dolphin, which attempted to bite his arm and even forcefully pressed against his anus.

Experts suspect that a dolphin named Suzu might be behind these attacks. Suzu was first spotted off the coast of Shuzenji in 2020, then again in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2021, and in Fukui waters in 2022. Since 2022, dolphin attacks on humans have continued, with 21 incidents reported in 2022, nine last year, and 18 incidents this summer alone.

Professor Masamichi Morisaka from the Faculty of Bioresources at Mie University revealed more about the incidents.

“Initially, everyone thought there might be multiple dolphins along the coast. However, based on the victims’ wounds and the locations where the dolphin appeared, it’s assumed that only one dolphin is responsible, and it’s highly likely to be Suzu.”

Morisaka explained that an analysis of the victims’ wounds and bite marks suggests it is a male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, reported Sanook. The distinctive behaviour of this dolphin species involves biting to mimic sexual behaviours and communicate.

In other words, this dolphin might be seeking to release sexual tension, leading it to attack every human it encounters, resulting in numerous cases of sexual harassment and injuries among tourists, said Professor Morisaka.

“The aggressive behaviour of this dolphin indicates it might be getting more accustomed to humans, thus daring to sexually harass them more overtly. This situation is extremely dangerous.

“If people encounter a dolphin while swimming at the beach, they should immediately alert those around them and advise everyone to stay as far away from the dolphin as possible.”