Diving in Shark Bay, Western Australia, can be a thrilling experience, but as Tao Hoogland and his friend Joseph discovered, it can also be dangerous. In this article, we will discuss the incident, what steps to take when encountering sharks, and ways to minimize the risk of an attack.
While Tao and Joseph were diving, they caught some lobsters and fish but were eager for more. As Tao was in a “rest position,” a large bronze whaler shark approached him. As they had several bad encounters with similar sharks the week before, Tao and his buddy decided it was time to go. However, the shark reappeared behind Tao and attacked his buddy, taking two of their fish. The shark then tried to take the rest of their fish as they swam back to shore. Tao kicked the shark in the face to battle it off, and he shared the video of his encounter on TikTok.
Sharks are apex predators and are an essential part of the ocean’s ecosystem. However, they can be dangerous to humans. It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings when diving, especially in areas known for shark activity. Keep an eye out for any signs of sharks, such as fish behavior, and avoid swimming in murky water, which can make it difficult to see approaching sharks.
While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of a shark attack, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Avoid swimming alone and stay in a group. Sharks are more likely to attack individuals who are swimming alone.
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or at night. Sharks are more active during these times.
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored swimsuits. These items can resemble fish scales and attract sharks.
- Don’t wear strong scents, such as perfumes, which can attract sharks.
- Avoid swimming near schools of fish, which can attract sharks.
If you see a shark, remain calm and try to maintain eye contact while slowly backing away.
If you encounter a shark, it is essential to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Stay still and maintain eye contact. Sharks are more likely to attack if they feel threatened.
- Slowly back away while facing the shark. Do not turn your back on the shark.
- If the shark attacks, use anything you can as a weapon. Aim for the eyes or gills, which are sensitive areas.
- If bitten, try to stay calm and swim back to shore as quickly and calmly as possible.
Shark encounters are not uncommon in areas where they are prevalent, such as Shark Bay. However, with proper awareness and precautions, you can minimize the risk of an attack. If you encounter a shark, remember to remain calm, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away. While it may be tempting to hunt for more fish, it’s important to prioritize your safety and that of your dive buddies.
