Woman Diver Dies After Shark Attack

[AK Susan]

Can any one tell me what a diver should do if a shark seems overly friendly or looking at you like lunch? :06: I am a new diver and so far my only shark in counter was a white tip reef shark that was sitting on the bottom of the ocean in a hiding spot. I would guess that like most prey type animals you should never do the panic'd got to get the heck out of their manover. Any helpful suggestions out there?

 

[H2Andy]

first of all, you're gonna be lucky to see a shark as a diver.
they don't like people and tend to stay away. also, the incidence
of shark attacks on divers is very low (they go for surfers or swimmers).

however, if the brown stuff hits the fan,

-- stay calm. sharks can attack instinctively at sudden movement

-- keep an eye on the shark. sharks seem to avoid going for "prey"
that is looking at them

-- swim slowly and carefully towards the boat or shore. don't get into
unneven or sporadic trashing... this can trigger an attack

if that doesn't work and the shark seems to be going for you, you'll have to
fight back

-- if you have no other choice, use any object to poke, hit, and push on
the shark as it comes near you. target the gills and eyes. the goal is to
let the shark know you're fighting back, not to injure or anger the shark.

if the shark decides to strike, your reflexes are going to be too slow to
do anyting. if the shark is coming at you slowly, it's probably still trying to
make up its mind as to whether you are prey.

i wish i had a source... these are tips i've gathered over the years from
listening to others

 

[Cacia]

If you like diving around lots of sharks, learn to recognize certain body language postures. An "arched back" and dropped pectoral fins could mean he is getting crabby. One reason our North Shore guy probably felt safe getting in the water with the mighty whitey recently, is that I am willing to bet he can read their ...moods.(He runs a shark cage business) I have learned to recognize the hunched up "collected" tension in the back muscles and when they are cruising, all relaxed, I am less concerned.

If you spend a lot of time worried about sharks (I used to) my advice is to do a shark dive in a natural environment and get it over with all at once. It will demystify the experience and you will never be afraid of just the 'idea" again. There is something very empowering with diving with lots of sharks.