Watch This Girl’s Peaceful Dive Turn Into a Nightmare When a Massive Great White Shark Slams Into Her

Written by Sharon Parry
Updated: September 1, 2023
© Vincent Legrand/Shutterstock.com
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Key Points

  • No one knows exactly why sharks interact with us, but there are likely to be several reasons. One of the most popular is that sharks are inquisitive and are simply trying to find out what we are.
  • According to the Florida Museum International Shark Attack File, the most important thing to do if a shark approaches you when diving is to stay calm.
  • Luckily, this diver was in a shark cage, so she was protected on all sides, but it was still a startling experience!

This mesmerizing and peaceful clip contains a sharp reminder of the hazards of getting into the ocean. A female diver is protected by a metal shark cage as she floats in crystal-clear blue waters. But she is not alone. As well as the shoals of small fish that have gathered to investigate, a great white shark is also checking out what is going on. As the video at the bottom of this page shows, getting investigated by a great white shark is not a pleasant experience at all!

How Do Sharks Normally Behave Around Humans?

Sharks have varied reactions to humans – some will actively avoid us, some will ignore us, and some will interact with us.

©Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock.com

There is a huge range in shark reactions to humans. Some will actively avoid us, some will ignore us, and some will interact with us. An interaction can be anything from circling us to an actual physical attack. Videos like this are scary. However, you are far more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to die from a shark attack!

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No one knows exactly why sharks interact with us, and there are likely to be several reasons. One of the most popular is that sharks are inquisitive and are simply trying to find out what we are. Unfortunately, a key investigative strategy for a shark is biting. Given that many sharks have sharp teeth, that can result in serious injuries for the human.

What is a Normal Diet For a Great White Shark?

A shot of the beautiful wild great white shark underwater
Because of their location, great whites normally eat fish.

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

The great white shark, a formidable predator of the ocean, has a diverse and fascinating diet. While it primarily feeds on marine mammals such as seals and sea lions, its menu also includes fish, squid, and other sharks. With their incredible hunting abilities, great whites typically employ two main strategies to secure their prey.

One method is known as “ambush predation,” where they patiently wait near the water’s surface before launching an explosive attack from below. Bursting out with astonishing speed and power, they disable their unsuspecting victims in one swift motion by delivering a powerful bite.

Another tactic employed by these apex predators is called “ram feeding.” In this approach, great whites swim at high speeds toward their prey before lunging upward with open mouths to engulf them. This technique is commonly used when targeting fast-swimming creatures like dolphins or tuna.

Contrary to popular belief fueled by sensational media stories, attacks on humans are rare occurrences for great white sharks. They do not actively seek out human flesh as part of their normal diet. Rather, such incidents are often cases of mistaken identity or curiosity-driven investigations resulting from poor visibility or confusing human activity with natural prey items.

How Large Can A Great White Shark Get?

OCEARCH can track tagged sharks when the cruise at the surface.
Great White Sharks can grow an averaging 15 to 20 feet in length and weigh 2,000 to 5,000 pounds

©iStock.com/Martin Heyn

Great white sharks are impressive apex predators, averaging 15 to 20 feet in length and weighing 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. “Deep Blue,” the largest on record, was over 20 feet long and weighed about 2.5 tons.

Beyond her size, Deep Blue revealed captivating insights into shark behavior, from hunting techniques that reflect adaptation to intriguing mating rituals.

Even her migration patterns unveiled the remarkable journeys of these enigmatic creatures, highlighting their importance in marine ecosystems.

How Can Divers Avoid a Shark Attack?

Great white shark - Carcharodon carcharias, in pacific ocean near the coast of Guadalupe Island - Mexico.
You are more likely to be struck by lightning than killed by a shark

©iStock.com/vladoskan

According to the Florida Museum International Shark Attack File, the most important thing to do if a shark approaches you when diving is to stay calm. The chances are it will swim away quite quickly. If you have been spear-fishing, quietly release your catch and move away from the area. Getting out of the water calmly is also a good idea.

You can spot a shark acting aggressively by its movements. It will make rushes at you, hunch its back, lower its pectoral fins, and swim in a zigzag but rapid way. It may also swim with rapid up and down movements. If this happens, back up against a rock so that it is harder for the shark to rush at you and use whatever objects you have with you to fend it off.

Luckily, this diver was in a shark cage, so she was protected on all sides, but it was still a startling experience!

Watch The Heart-Stopping Moment In This Clip Below


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About the Author

Sharon has a Ph.D. in Public Health but has spent the last decade researching and writing about all things connected with animal health and well being. As a life-long animal lover, she now shares her family home with three rabbits, a Syrian hamster, and a very energetic Cocker Spaniel but in the past she has also been a Mom to Guinea Pigs and several cats!She has a passion for researching accurate and credible information about pets and reviewing products that make pet owners' lives a bit easier. When she isn't checking out new pet products she's trekking around the Welsh mountains and beaches with her dog - although she lets her husband and her three grown up daughters tag along sometimes if they are lucky!

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