Quick Take
- A cage-free diver comes face-to-face with a great white shark, and what the shark does next reveals something most people get wrong about these predators. Watch the encounter unfold →
- One instinctive reaction to a nearby great white could actually pull it closer, and most divers don't even realize they're doing it. See what not to do →
- Fatal great white attacks happen far less often than fear suggests. See the real attack stats →
Great white sharks are terrifying, and for good reason. While attacks are rare, their sheer size and razor-sharp, serrated teeth are enough to scare anybody. Not this scuba diver, though, who came face-to-face with a great white before it swam away. This YouTube video from The Independent shows the encounter as it happens, and it’s an amazing sight. Read below to learn more about what to do if you’re ever in a similar situation.
Great white sharks are more curious about humans than anything, and if you remain calm, they won’t identify you as prey.
©A-Z Animals
A Close Call with a Great White Shark
The video above is a shockingly close encounter with a great white shark. Without a cage or barrier between the diver and the shark, you can only imagine the fear of the person recording the video. Thankfully, there was enough distance between the two that the situation did not escalate further. The close encounter left many viewers stunned by how calm both the diver and the shark appeared. While sharks are apex predators, they are also naturally curious animals. Because of this, they may show interest in checking out humans rather than trying to hunt them. The way the shark in the video simply passes by indicates that it is more curious than anything and shows no other interest.
Great white sharks live in temperate and subtropical oceans worldwide, specifically where food is abundant. In the U.S. Atlantic, they range from Maine to the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) as well as the Caribbean; in the U.S. Pacific, from Alaska to California and Hawaii. Around the world, they are found in the Mediterranean, southern African waters, and Australia.
Encounters like this are not as common as you may think. Most great white shark encounters are intentional, occurring during diving operations that use cages and are conducted around the world. This is done for both research and recreation, with the cages acting as safeguards in case an attack occurs. However, fatal shark attacks are extremely rare, with roughly 10 happening per year. While this number is quite low, such encounters can still leave many shaken, and for good reason. So if you encounter a great white shark, what should you do?
The smartest thing you can do in a great white encounter is remain calm, which prevents triggering its hunting instincts.
©Aquabluedreams/Shutterstock.com
What to Do If You Encounter One
Great white sharks can be terrifying, but it’s important to always remain calm. Sudden movement or panicked swimming can trigger more curiosity from the shark, drawing it in closer. You should move calmly, just as the diver in the video did. It’s also important to dive with a group. A larger group makes an attack less likely because you outnumber the shark. You can also alert each other if you spot a shark, allowing you to safely swim away. It’s important to maintain eye contact with the shark to ensure it doesn’t approach you when you’re not paying attention. The last tip may sound counterintuitive: Do not surface too quickly. Most shark incidents occur near the surface, so you should only surface for air when it is safe to do so. While attacks are rare, it’s important to go into a dive with the proper knowledge so that you can stay safe.
