k374
Contributor
Correct me if I am wrong but divers are at minimal risk for shark attacks since these happen mostly due to mistaken identity.
Suspension of all diving and watersports activities in Sharm el Sheikh
- Thread starter Red Sea Shadow
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InTheDrink
Contributor
Divers do appear to be safer, certainly when submerged. On the surface we flap and thrash getting back on a rib just like a snorkeller. So being on the surface is not where you want to be when you have a longimanus around.
Our bubbles also seem to put them off.
So yeah, diving you're safer but when you get close enough to a longimanus to see its gums it doesn't always feel that way
.
J
Our bubbles also seem to put them off.
So yeah, diving you're safer but when you get close enough to a longimanus to see its gums it doesn't always feel that way
. J
Risks are minimal, correct. But clearly larger at the surface if there are large oceanic sharks in the water. Something big floating on the surface triggers them to examine, as hundred million years of evolution has programmed them to do. I'm sceptic toward the mistaken identity theory though, because sharks have highly evolved senses and it seems unlikely that they would mistake a human for something they normally feed on. But an examination nudge can be devastating. It can be an aggression as well, especially when there's bait/food in the water. The shark see a human as a competitor for the meal. Speculation. But I think it's an important point to make, that shark attacks on people (which are rare to begin with) not necessarily is feeding.
When someone is bitten by a dog, we don't automatically assume that the dog tried to eat the attacked person, right?
cheers
Last edited:
Good point Christian ! (And if a dog bites the damage is minimal compared to the power and sharpness of a shark.)
One more thing: is it possible that divers and snorkelers wearing a wetsuit would be less probable to be of interest of a shark then someone without. And maybe suncream ?
One more thing: is it possible that divers and snorkelers wearing a wetsuit would be less probable to be of interest of a shark then someone without. And maybe suncream ?
It's possible that it makes a difference. Some suggest that brightly colored equipment attracts interest and recommend black or dark only. Advice from various shark diving operators seem to vary. Added together, they are inconclusive. It seems to differ from area to area and from species to species. But generally sharks react to smell/taste, so it's possible (speculation) that a sun screen could attract them. My personal experience from OWT in the Red Sea suggests that the situation and the way of the diver/snorkeler is more important than the color of their fins or clothing.
A bite from a big shark is of course much more devastating than one from a powerful dog. But a Pitbull Terrier has power enough to maim or kill a person, so I think the comparison is irrelevant. And I'm not even going to start comparing the statistics...
A bite from a big shark is of course much more devastating than one from a powerful dog. But a Pitbull Terrier has power enough to maim or kill a person, so I think the comparison is irrelevant. And I'm not even going to start comparing the statistics...
thetafferboy
Registered
tarponchik
Contributor
Check this database http://www.sharkattackfile.net/spreadsheets/GSAF5.xls
This is Excel file so just search for the word "scuba". Some interesting reading, indeed.
Interview with one of the Russians attacked (video):
http://www.novy.tv/ru/reporter/world/2010/12/07/19/30.html
More on the attacks:
Shark Attack on 2010 Shark Attack Related Incidents Shark Attacks
http://www.novy.tv/ru/reporter/world/2010/12/07/19/30.html
More on the attacks:
Shark Attack on 2010 Shark Attack Related Incidents Shark Attacks
Ayisha
Contributor
Interesting. So 5 victims are listed in Egypt in that week, 2 males and 3 females. There are names, some info, and all 5 people were bitten, not just chased. There is an extra male victim that I do not recall hearing about.
macrobubble
Contributor
UPDATE:
CDWS statement: 9 December 14:00
1. Preliminary findings of shark scientific team
2. Sharm el Sheikh diving restrictions remain in place until further notice
The three international shark experts are continuing to work with authorities in Egypt to determine the causal factors involved in the spate of shark attacks in Sharm el Sheikh. The team is progressing with its scientific research and is verifying available data, as well as evidence gathered through eye witness reports from people both in the water and at the shore at the time of each of the five attacks on snorkellers.
Scientists have indicated that their findings, up to now, suggest two species were involved in the attacks: one oceanic whitetip shark and one mako shark. Initial investigations by shark experts and marine scientists suggest factors that may have contributed - but are not limited to - the causes of behavioural change in sharks involved in attacks include the following:
*One or more incidents of illegal dumping of animal carcasses in nearby waters
*Depletion of natural prey in the area caused by overfishing
*Localised feeding of reef fish and/or sharks by swimmers, snorkellers and some divers
*Unusually high water temperatures in Sharm el Sheikh
CDWS would like to make it clear these are NOT the final conclusions, and that the investigation is still ongoing. The CDWS would also like to underline that it has NOT been, or will be, involved in any shark hunts.
The restrictions placed on diving and watersports activities along the Sharm el Sheikh coast will continue until further notice. The majority of areas in Sharm el Sheikh remain open to diving activities for CDWS members and their clients, however, there are restrictions on where these can take place and on client experience.
Qualified diving clients, who must have a minimum of 50 logged dives, are permitted to participate in scuba activities run by boat by CDWS members in the following areas:
- area of Tiran
- all dive sites south of Naama Bay to Ras Mohammed National Park
- the entire area of Ras Mohammed National Park
Diving remains completely banned at this time in the area between Ras Nasrani to the north of Naama Bay. No shore diving is permitted anywhere in the Sharm el Sheikh area.
Under NO circumstances are introductory or training dives permitted to take place in the sea anywhere in Sharm el Sheikh until CDWS members are notified otherwise. However, training and introductory diving activities are able to take place in other resorts, such as Dahab.
CDWS chairman Hesham Gabr said: "It is widely known sharks behave very differently towards divers in the water. However, as an extra precaution, only experienced divers are permitted to take part in guided activities in Sharm el Sheikh at this time. The 50 logged dive limit is a benchmark judged in recognised scuba standards to ensure divers have good buoyancy and control underwater and behave in a calm and controlled manner."
Egyptian authorities confirmed restrictions currently in place along the Sharm el Sheikh coast, will remain until further notice. Snorkelling activities and other watersports remain heavily restricted - with the exception of glass bottom boat operations - along the whole of the Sharm el Sheikh coastal area. Swimming/snorkelling in the sea is only in designated safe, natural sheltered bay areas within the Ras Mohammed National and the Nabq National Park.
Holidaymakers can continue to enjoy their holidays in resort and are able to swim in the many swimming pools of hotels and also have access to sunbathe on the beaches.
Any decision to reassess restrictions will be made only when the scientific work by the team of experts is completed. Safety of visitors is of the upmost concern to all the authorities involved.
The scientific work is currently in phase one: the diagnostic phase. Once this is complete, phase two will involve the exploration of options to deal with the factors of the diagnostic phase. The third phase will be the implementation of chosen options. Phase four will cover the long-term measures that will be taken.
CDWS statement: 9 December 14:00
1. Preliminary findings of shark scientific team
2. Sharm el Sheikh diving restrictions remain in place until further notice
The three international shark experts are continuing to work with authorities in Egypt to determine the causal factors involved in the spate of shark attacks in Sharm el Sheikh. The team is progressing with its scientific research and is verifying available data, as well as evidence gathered through eye witness reports from people both in the water and at the shore at the time of each of the five attacks on snorkellers.
Scientists have indicated that their findings, up to now, suggest two species were involved in the attacks: one oceanic whitetip shark and one mako shark. Initial investigations by shark experts and marine scientists suggest factors that may have contributed - but are not limited to - the causes of behavioural change in sharks involved in attacks include the following:
*One or more incidents of illegal dumping of animal carcasses in nearby waters
*Depletion of natural prey in the area caused by overfishing
*Localised feeding of reef fish and/or sharks by swimmers, snorkellers and some divers
*Unusually high water temperatures in Sharm el Sheikh
CDWS would like to make it clear these are NOT the final conclusions, and that the investigation is still ongoing. The CDWS would also like to underline that it has NOT been, or will be, involved in any shark hunts.
The restrictions placed on diving and watersports activities along the Sharm el Sheikh coast will continue until further notice. The majority of areas in Sharm el Sheikh remain open to diving activities for CDWS members and their clients, however, there are restrictions on where these can take place and on client experience.
Qualified diving clients, who must have a minimum of 50 logged dives, are permitted to participate in scuba activities run by boat by CDWS members in the following areas:
- area of Tiran
- all dive sites south of Naama Bay to Ras Mohammed National Park
- the entire area of Ras Mohammed National Park
Diving remains completely banned at this time in the area between Ras Nasrani to the north of Naama Bay. No shore diving is permitted anywhere in the Sharm el Sheikh area.
Under NO circumstances are introductory or training dives permitted to take place in the sea anywhere in Sharm el Sheikh until CDWS members are notified otherwise. However, training and introductory diving activities are able to take place in other resorts, such as Dahab.
CDWS chairman Hesham Gabr said: "It is widely known sharks behave very differently towards divers in the water. However, as an extra precaution, only experienced divers are permitted to take part in guided activities in Sharm el Sheikh at this time. The 50 logged dive limit is a benchmark judged in recognised scuba standards to ensure divers have good buoyancy and control underwater and behave in a calm and controlled manner."
Egyptian authorities confirmed restrictions currently in place along the Sharm el Sheikh coast, will remain until further notice. Snorkelling activities and other watersports remain heavily restricted - with the exception of glass bottom boat operations - along the whole of the Sharm el Sheikh coastal area. Swimming/snorkelling in the sea is only in designated safe, natural sheltered bay areas within the Ras Mohammed National and the Nabq National Park.
Holidaymakers can continue to enjoy their holidays in resort and are able to swim in the many swimming pools of hotels and also have access to sunbathe on the beaches.
Any decision to reassess restrictions will be made only when the scientific work by the team of experts is completed. Safety of visitors is of the upmost concern to all the authorities involved.
The scientific work is currently in phase one: the diagnostic phase. Once this is complete, phase two will involve the exploration of options to deal with the factors of the diagnostic phase. The third phase will be the implementation of chosen options. Phase four will cover the long-term measures that will be taken.
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