Powerful Great White Shark Swims Straight Into Cage With A Diver Inside

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: May 18, 2023
© Stefan Pircher/Shutterstock.com
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Continue Reading To See This Amazing Video

Key Points

  • Dive cages are practically impervious to damage. They are specifically designed for stability and safety in inclement weather.
  • A giant great white swims near the cages and picks up speed just before crashing into the metal bars of a ladder.
  • A group of divers in a metal cage got quite the scare when they were taking photographs. 

The biggest predatory fish on the planet is the great white shark, or white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). The only remaining species of the genus Carcharodon, which takes its name from the Greek words “karcharos,” meaning “sharpen,” and “odous,” which means “tooth,” are great white sharks

These oceanic animals have rows of up to 300 triangular, serrated teeth, therefore the name is appropriate. White sharks have white bellies, gray skin, and bodies that resemble bullets. People from all over the world are terrified of these creatures. We can all thank Hollywood for that. 

A great white shark’s average length is between 15 and 16 feet for females and 11 to 13 feet for males. Great white sharks can grow to a maximum length of 20 feet, but the majority are less. Up to 21.3 feet have been observed, while 18 feet is the most common height. White shark males typically weigh between 1,150 and 1,700 pounds, whereas great white shark females are bigger, weighing between 1,500 and 2,450 pounds.

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Many people go cage diving with these beautiful animals. Whether for scientific purposes or for fun, you’re putting yourself at risk by getting so close to an apex predator. A group of divers in a metal cage got quite the scare when they were taking photographs. 

Surrounded by schools of fish, two diving cages hang in the open ocean. A giant great white swims near the cages and picks up speed just before crashing into the metal bars of a ladder. This rocks the cage and startles the shark for a second. 

A Close Encounter

A huge great white shark investigates 3 divers in a shark cage as sun rays penetrate the clear, cool waters of Guadalupe Island, Mexico.
A huge great white shark investigates divers in a shark cage off the coast of Guadalupe Island, Mexico.

©J nel/Shutterstock.com

After coming to, the animal navigates its way around the foreign object and goes about her day. Had the ladder not been where it was, the shark could’ve easily gotten into the diving cage and posed a threat to the individuals inside. 

Each great white shark has a unique personality, and some of them may be wary of swimming through a cage, especially if they are being observed. They are ambush predators, and in order to safeguard themselves from potential injury, they typically approach unknown things in their habitat while attempting to go unnoticed.

Shark diving is extremely safe, so don’t worry. In fact, it’s become one of the most well-liked extreme water sports in recent years. Adrenaline junkies from all around the world take pride in showing off their shark swimming accomplishments. Going cage diving with sharks doesn’t require you to be an experienced thrill seeker or nature photographer. Anyone who has the means and the motivation can accomplish it.

Dive cages are practically impervious to damage. They are specifically designed for stability and safety in inclement weather. To keep unintentional sharks from entering, they are provided with a top covering the entrance. They can withstand the force of a strong shark striking them at top speed.

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© Stefan Pircher/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

When she's not busy playing with her several guinea pigs or her cat Finlay Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She's also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.

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