Death in Cocos from shark attack

[Kay Dee]

Undersea Hunter has been posting Instagram pictures of Tiger sharks from their liveaboard trips. The last post of a Tiger shark was seven days ago. They were aware that dangerous sharks were in the area and promoting their business with them. One of these can even be the culprit. They could have taken extra steps to avoid potentially dangerous outcomes but at the same time there are not enough details to speculate. Sharks are too unpredictable especially this species.

Instagram post by Undersea Hunter • Nov 28, 2017 at 12:50am UTC

If I was still interested in seeing 'fish' and not wrecks, and I hada' seen that video back in the day I'da been first to sign up! That's what (most) divers go to Cocos, Galapagos and that other island I didn't make it to (off Colombia maybe?) for. And that is, to see sharks up close and personal! As much as a tragedy this accident - and accident it was - is for all concerned, the lady in question coulda' just as easy been run down by a car in NYC and we would never have heard about it. You go diving with sharks, you accept the risk, or unfortunately are very naive. The ocean is not a zoo / controlled environment after all.

 

[DanBMW]

The family will not waste money on a law suit, knowing that they don't have a chance to win. They can't be that stupid..

 

[Kay Dee]

The family will not waste money on a law suit, knowing that they don't have a chance to win. They can't be that stupid..

While 'stupid' may not be the right word, oh yes they can! Like I said, does not the name / case Wes Skiles ring a bell? And who needs money when you have lawyers doing it Pro Bono as it were, but for a (hefty) cut of supposed winnings.

And if ever there was a case that should not have ever gone near a court, or at least NOT against the person / company it did, it was that one!

And who was the loser their? Both parties, the plaintiff lost (as was basically known she would from the start) and AFAIK now being sued for costs, while the defendant 'won' but......................spent a lot of money (and a great deal of mental trauma, believe me, as been there, done that) which he may not get back seeing as the plaintiff has basically none to speak of. A very unfortunate / tragic set of circumstances for all concerned there, that's for sure.

Yet, if she had not listened to some money hungry lawyers (who not all are I admit) who knew nothing re CCR diving it seems, she still would own her own house AND have the insurance payout from husbands death. Now unfortunately she has neither husband, nor the insurance money, while the 'other' re house may still be up in the air.

I fully understand that the husband in this case is grieving and may want 'compensation', for want of a better word, for his loss.................................but, his wife (hopefully) knew the risks (but like a lot of us probably thought 'it won't / will never happen to me').

But lets see what transpires. Hopefully sane minds will prevail, but I for one ain't holding my breath.

 

[Steve_C]

Was a fiance, not a wife. That might affect who has standing to sue and for what.

Since these are wealthy connected people they will probably talk to good lawyers.

Not sure where the boat was titled in. That may matter.

 

[mcohen1021]

This is why feeding the animals is a bad idea... Contrary to popular belief, nurse sharks CAN cause alot of damage.

Pics from Mid-November 2017 in Belize

 

[muzikbiz22]

 

[scuba mike1]

If I was still interested in seeing 'fish' and not wrecks, and I hada' seen that video back in the day I'da been first to sign up! That's what (most) divers go to Cocos, Galapagos and that other island I didn't make it to (off Colombia maybe?) for. And that is, to see sharks up close and personal! As much as a tragedy this accident - and accident it was - is for all concerned, the lady in question coulda' just as easy been run down by a car in NYC and we would never have heard about it. You go diving with sharks, you accept the risk, or unfortunately are very naive. The ocean is not a zoo / controlled environment after all.

What if you were interested in seeing sharks and fish in Guadalupe? I'm not referring to just any shark. Cocos is traditionally known for schools of hammerhead. Now as of recent there is an abundance of Tiger sharks which add extra elements of risk the divers may not be aware of.

 

[mmmbelows]

Interesting

 

[JohnnyC]

You 'may' be right re 'mood of shark' but, in my own experience and videos I have seen of sharks (even BIG sharks) reactions, is they bounce of that 'force-field' shield like they hit a brick wall! Every time.

But there is always gonna be one shark out there that has never seen or heard of a Shark Shield, and has no respect for them whatsoever and says "Shield? What shield? I'm hungry, here I come"!

At worse they (Shark Shield) at least give you that warm fuzzy felling that your 'protected'. ;-)

No, in all seriousness, we swore by them!

Except that's not what the research shows.

SA researchers trial effectiveness of electronic shark deterrent devices on Great Whites - ABC Adelaide - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

 

[Kay Dee]

What if you were interested in seeing sharks and fish in Guadalupe? I'm not referring to just any shark. Cocos is traditionally known for schools of hammerhead. Now as of recent there is an abundance of Tiger sharks which add extra elements of risk the divers may not be aware of.

Not sure of your question re G'lupe? IIRC you quoted the 'Hunter' group recently showing footage or photos of Tiger Sharks at Cocos in their promos. I said I'd have signed up in a heart beat after seeing same, given what I believe, and is my experience with that 'group, long ago now mind you, of their exemplary safety / environmentally conscious record.

And if folks can't educate themselves (i.e. make themselves fully aware) of the potential dangers of Tiger Sharks, wel,l enough said re that....................................save for what I said previously, and that is it ain't no zoo / controlled environment 'out there'.