Shark attack response

[DiveBen]

There has been much discussed on SB concerning shark attacks, and actions a diver can take which may minimize the chances of an attack, especially when a nearby shark is sighted. I’m sure these scenarios play out in most, if not all, divers’ minds at some time or another. I myself have been made more comfortable and confident about what actions I should take, because of the information I have garnered from SB. I play out scenarios in my mind, so that if I encountered a shark in my vicinity, the situation will feel somewhat familiar, I will remember what I should do to minimize the possibility of an attack, and not overreact.

Now, to the heart of my thread. The scenario I am least comfortable with, in terms of how to respond, is the unlikely scenario in which a shark “grabs” a hold of me or my buddy (my 16 year old son). The scenario is other than a hit and run where I do not even see it coming, since in that scenario it would probably be over faster than I could respond. In this scenario, you would have enough time to reach for the weapon to fight with, in case you are “grabbed”. When I play this scenario out in my mind, I can’t help but try to visualize something more to fight with, other than my hands, or potentially my little BC knife (yeah, I know). I guess I’m looking for thoughts concerning options of practical weapons (yeah, I know) which may provide a stronger response, in the event that a shark were to “grab” a diver, as mentioned above.

This is just a “what-if” scenario. My diving is not dominated or overshadowed by fear and thoughts concerning shark attacks. I do recognize the low probability concerning such an event. This is just one of those things that I wonder about sometimes, and I would suspect that many other divers do also, on occasion.

Ben

 

[Rockcod]

I have dove with a lot of different kinds of sharks and recently was charged by a small GW. With the exception of the charge, I see sharks as a gift to see and do not fear them. This is not to say that I have not had moments when I got the stark realization that I had entered the food chain, and my imagination ran wild.

I just try not to think of what-if scenarios, relax and enjoy the dive. But, yesterday I was dragging a stringer of dying halibut behind me on a long surface swim and had a harbor seal dive bomb me. Yikes!

 

[Garrobo]

Buy a bang stick. Or outrun your buddy so he'll be lunch and not you.

 

[idocsteve]

Buy a bang stick. Or outrun your buddy so he'll be lunch and not you.

Don't forget to stick him in the leg with your knife first.

That not only makes him more attractive bait but it also slows him down.

 

[Airleron]

I can't say that I've ever given a "shark attack response while diving" scenario alot of thought.

If I were surfing with Air Jaws in a black wetsuit in South Africa at Seal Point, I'd probably mull it over.

I would be more worried about a Sargeant Major biting me...and yes, I was bitten, it was on the bum, while snorkeling.

 

[idocsteve]

I can't say that I've ever given a "shark attack response while diving" scenario alot of thought.

If I were surfing with Air Jaws in a black wetsuit in South Africa at Seal Point, I'd probably mull it over.

I would be more worried about a Sargeant Major biting me...and yes, I was bitten, it was on the bum, while snorkeling.

Yeah those things are FEROCIOUS

 

[Doc]

Grenades.

Definitely, grenades. Two at the minimum.

 

[Dragon Down]

I saw this in a.. um.. documentary...

Throw a scuba tank in its mouth then shoot the tank with a rifle... it will blow up like a small nuke and you will be safe till the next movie.

 

[nshuff]

I don't think the stabbing his buddy would be his best bet, only because his 16 year old son is his buddy lol

 

[Doubler]

When asked by noobs " What do we do if we a see a shark?" I always tell them to take their fins off. They ask "Do we use them to fight the shark off?" I tell the no, it is so I can out swim you.