Eeeek! Shark, now what do I do?

[baitedstorm]

After reading some of the threads here on sharks, I have a question.... What do you do if you find yourself face to face with, lets say, a nice size bull shark?
I've seen alot of different reefies, and nurse sharks, but they couldn't have cared less that I was there, and although I highly respect them, I haven't ever feared them sharing space with them. I have yet to see a "predator" shark and I'm curious just what exactly should a diver do?

 

[Michael Schlink]

Bullshark?!? Get out of the water, as soon as possible. I used to spearfish in the Gulf, if we saw Bulls we got on the boat, ASAP. Now don't go scurring to the surface, but make a nice slow CAUTIOUS ascent-JMHO

 

[crispos]

After reading some of the threads here on sharks, I have a question.... What do you do if you find yourself face to face with, lets say, a nice size bull shark?
I've seen alot of different reefies, and nurse sharks, but they couldn't have cared less that I was there, and although I highly respect them, I haven't ever feared them sharing space with them. I have yet to see a "predator" shark and I'm curious just what exactly should a diver do?

Clearly this is not a theoretical question judging from where you live...

There must be some DM's or Instructors that do the shark dive excursions on this Board? They might have some good insight into bull shark behavior when confronted with scuba.

The alternative to going to the surface, if the shark is between you and the surface, is to hide somewhere such as a coral overhang or wreck, until the shark is gone, air permitting.

Remember to signal your buddy with a hand over your head like a fin.

Although the bull sharks are number 3 on the most feared list, I believe they will not automatically become aggressive unless there is blood in the water, or they are provoked.

 

[Gary D.]

After reading some of the threads here on sharks, I have a question.... What do you do if you find yourself face to face with, lets say, a nice size bull shark?
I've seen alot of different reefies, and nurse sharks, but they couldn't have cared less that I was there, and although I highly respect them, I haven't ever feared them sharing space with them. I have yet to see a "predator" shark and I'm curious just what exactly should a diver do?

Don't look like lunch or a date

Gary D.

 

[crispos]

Here is another link. Note the very few reported unprovoked attacks.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/Statistics/species2.htm

Note, dead victims don't report so the file isn't perfect.

 

[captain]

Some time ago my buddy and I were spearfishing under an oil platform in the Gulf south of New Orleans. We hadn't speared anything yet when we became the object of interest of two bull sharks, one about 8 to 9 feet and the other a little smaller. They started circling us in ever decreasing circles. We positioned our selves back to back on one of the horizontal pipes and watched them. The larger one came straight up to me to within the the length of my speargun which was about 5 feet. It than turned away and they both swam off. I was planning to poke it with the point of the gun had it kept coming. I sure didn't want to shoot it and get it mad. We decided to try our luck at another platform after that. In 35 years of diving that was the first time I had a shark do that.

Captain

 

[archman]

use your bang stick. Oh wait this isn't a Bond movie...

 

[JMD123]

Every one knows the reason divers carry knives is incase of a shark attack. Here are the simple insturctions.

1) You see a shark

2) You draw your knife

3) You cut your buddy

4) You swim away

Its that simple. Anyone want to go diving.

 

[Scubaguy62]

Baitedstorm,

Sharks, including bulls, are attracted to three main things, erratic movements (such as the movements of a speared fish), blood, and electrical impulses and/or discharges. Unless, of course you're diving with one of the guys from that group when you had your experience in Jupiter, who is a bull shark magnet, you should be ok.

A buddy of mine was once leading a dive in Boynton when he noticed a 12' hammerhead swimming straight for him. When he banged on his tank, the shark swerved and swam around him westbound (yes towards shore). Just keep in mind that unless you see the shark exhibiting aggressive behavior (arched back and lowered pectoral fins), you should be fine if you keep motions to the minimum, then exit the water as quick and as quiet as you can.

Luckily for me, I've had to pay to see sharks other than the regular nurse sharks of So. Fl., so without personal experience in the local area, my advise is more theoretical than practical, so take it as you wish.

 

[archman]

Sharks, including bulls, are attracted to three main things, erratic movements (such as the movements of a speared fish), blood, and electrical impulses and/or discharges.

You omitted sound, but then mentioned it as the primary deterrent in your one example. Ironically, low frequency, erratic sounds are the number one attractant to curious sharks, as they can bring 'em in from miles away. As for electrical impulses, the detection range from the ampullae ranges on the order of centimeters. The shark's gotta be right on top of you in order to pick up the field.

No arguments with blood though. Smell rivals and sometimes exceeds sound as primary attractant... depends on environmental conditions and species (among other junk).