Shark attack on surfer in Humboldt

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I know it isn't dive related, but it's a big fish in the water we play in.

Thought some of y'all might be interested...

http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~2533009,00.html

 

[ShakaZulu]

Guess now that sharks are so protected there is going to be more attacks.....

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Guess now that sharks are so protected there is going to be more attacks.....

If I'm not mistaken, this has been one of the busiest years on the Pacific coast, if not the busiest ever recorded. Lots of attacks.

I guess the comeback of the coastal marine mammals in general may make the white sharks more common along our coast, too...

 

[Cnotthoff]

Over the past few months, I've logged almost 6 hours diving on a project not more than 5 minutes from that spot. Since most of those dives had visibility of less than a foot, I can safely say that I didn't see any sharks. I like to think that once they have filled up on surfers, sharks won't be hungry for divers.

It's all one ocean,

Charlie

 

[Mike Matthews]

For those who survive attacks how rare is it for them to have seen the attack coming? Given the conditions of water North of the tropics and the limited visibility masks allow your chances of seeing it coming are slim.

Does anyone have data on sharkl population cycles? Maybe it is a peak in their population.

Save a Diver, Eat a Surfer. Could be the next big T-Shirt

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Save a Diver, Eat a Surfer. Could be the next big T-Shirt

LMAO!

I am also interested in shark population data...anyone?

 

[JustinW]

i've heard its an el nino year, and since white sharks are often found in very warm waters also, perhaps that has something to do with it. The Red triangle might also have something to do with it, although the last two painful showings of the man in the grey suit were not in the triangle

 

[Cnotthoff]

There has been warmer water off shore. But I can assure you, the water in the area of this attack hasn't been much above 50°F all year. Some sharks prefer warm water. Whitey doesn't care. He is here freeze or thaw, rain or shine.

Right around the time Randy Fry was killed by a shark on the Mendocino Coast, there was a traffic accident up here in Humboldt County where a drunk came across the center divider and ran head-on into a family. Both were cases where the victims were doing nothing wrong. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As people who enter the ocean, whether to ride it's waves or swim beneath them, we have a right (maybe a need) to joke about the risks posed by these magnificent animals. I believe it is called "whistling in the graveyard". Remember, a little respect goes a long way.

Next week, I will probably be diving nights about 10 miles north of the most recent attack. Anyone see which way that big fish was headed??

Good Dives, Charlie

 

[Mike Matthews]

Well said Charlie. No malice intended in the Surfer remark. When much younger during the JAWS craze an Uncle pointed out we were entering the living space of the Great White, and all marine creatures. He really drove home the point it is their space and not ours. We need to realize that respect, awareness, and proficeny will take us far. Ultimatly it is not our decsion on our presence being tolerated.

There has been warmer water off shore. But I can assure you, the water in the area of this attack hasn't been much above 50°F all year. Some sharks prefer warm water. Whitey doesn't care. He is here freeze or thaw, rain or shine.

Right around the time Randy Fry was killed by a shark on the Mendocino Coast, there was a traffic accident up here in Humboldt County where a drunk came across the center divider and ran head-on into a family. Both were cases where the victims were doing nothing wrong. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As people who enter the ocean, whether to ride it's waves or swim beneath them, we have a right (maybe a need) to joke about the risks posed by these magnificent animals. I believe it is called "whistling in the graveyard". Remember, a little respect goes a long way.

Next week, I will probably be diving nights about 10 miles north of the most recent attack. Anyone see which way that big fish was headed??

Good Dives, Charlie

 

[opiniongirl]

Compared to surfers, the extra neoprene gives divers a rubbery texture, and the tank gives them gas. Surfers are already shelled, and come with a toothpick!