Shark Dies In Dominican Republic After Being Dragged From Sea For Selfies

Footage shows the creature writhing around as it's pulled from the water.

A blue shark has died after being pulled out of the water so tourists and lifeguards could take pictures with it.

In a video reportedly taken near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, a group of men can be seen dragging the struggling blue shark out of the sea.

One even appears to put a life ring into the creature’s mouth.

Images later appeared on social media of people posing with the shark, including men in Hard Rock t-shirts and a number of young children.

The Dodo reported that the shark lost its life in the incident.

The Hard Rock Hotel chain said that the staff involved would be facing "appropriate action" over the incident.

@SeaShepSeattle Hard Rock does not condone this behavior and is taking the situation seriously. Staff involved will face appropriate action.

— Hard Rock Hotels (@HardRockHotels) June 16, 2016

Many people voiced their outrage over the incident on social media...

@RT_com That poor animal, How about we drag them into the sea and leave them there😡😡

— Christine (@OzzieChristine) June 19, 2016

#Shark dies after being dragged out of the #ocean for 'selfie'
utter morons #savesharks #nosharkcull https://t.co/SpwqMTYEPi

— Rod (@RodFosterHall) June 19, 2016

@RT_com what the hell is wrong with people.

— Tom Paine (@PaineMason) June 19, 2016

oh jesus christ tourists have killed another shark dragging it to land to take a selfie. theres so many people i wish were dead.

— Danny Evers (@Danny_Evers2) June 19, 2016

@rt_com @doveshell even wildlife isn't safe from our #InsaneSelfieCulture

— laCarmencita (@laCarmencita33) June 19, 2016

This is not the first time an animal has died under such circumstances.

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