Shark Attack
Gansbaai is the great white shark capital of the world. The competition among various cage diving companies is almost as intense as that of the camel treks in Jaisalmer. Some backpackers recommended the Shark Lady to me when I was in Sri Lanka, and I was in contact with her ever since then. She even calls herself the Shark Lady – I knew this was the real deal.
Tanya and I met the rest of the group, and joined them in signing our lives away early this morning. We then got a brief safety talk and shark cage diving tutorial before heading out on the boat. Although Tanya and I are both certified divers, we were told that all of the action is near the surface. A mask is all you need. When a shark is approaching, you immediately duck under the surface to get a look.
Things started to get exciting when the crew poured sardine oils around the boat and dragged fish guts behind it. The cage was lowered, and we were instructed to change into wetsuits. We looked like ninjas. Then all we could do was wait, as our guide David repeated how nature is unpredictable and uncontrollable, and he couldn’t guarantee anything. Just like fishing or a safari. He was right, of course, but I was ready to be pissed if we didn’t see anything.
It was discouraging when surrounding boats were getting bites, and we were still casting the enormous fish head out with no luck. In response to our “oohs” and “aahs” at the action occurring nearby, David expressed his resentment towards the way other companies allow the sharks to catch the bait. The way they feed them, and, in doing so, interfere with their natural environment. It's a costly act, for great whites are even more rare in the wild than they are in the Shark Bites fruit snack packs.
The second time Tanya and I got in the cage, however, there was nonstop excitement. The man dangling the bait was caught off guard by a 10-footer that came out of nowhere. The shark snatched the fish head and rammed into the cage with it. It headed directly towards me, eyes rolled back (to protect them from other objects, instead of eyelids). If I had extended my arm, I would’ve poked one of them. When the great white finally surrendered the bait to the tugging rope, it whipped its tail around and disappeared, leaving the cage divers in a storm of bubbles.
We came up for air, but heard a frantic “Down, down, down!” and rushed to get back under. The next time we surfaced, “Another one – to the right! Down, down!” and back we went. Again and again, with at least 5 different sharks. Eight to ten feet long. They were relentless in their pursuits of the lure, and circled the boat while planning another attack. They came from the sides like torpedoes, and from directly below with bodies vertical. I had to remember to keep track of all my limbs and not casually let a foot hang out of the cage. After all, only dozens of metal bars separated us from them.
While the divers got the most extreme perspective, the view from the boat was equally awesome. The eerie movement of the fins and tails triggered scenes from “Jaws.” Unfortunately, my camera case leaked and water ruined the camera. Fortunately, I was still able to retrieve the photos. Unfortunately, neither words nor pictures could ever capture the experience.
You are a BRAVE man…I got scared just looking at the picture!!!! I can only imagine what your mother is thinking…. I LOVE YOU!
November 20th, 2005 at 7:28 pmCHARLIE!! You are ridiculous. This trip is incredible. I am GREEN with envy. HW misses its Melvoins.
November 20th, 2005 at 10:17 pmIt’s 2:55 am and I just called Justin and Michael into my room to check out your pics. Now that I’m thoroughly freaked out I’m gonna go to sleep and have nightmares about Jaws all over again. I will admit, however, that despite the terrifying aspect of your experience, thats pretty sweet. Justin and Michael agree. Glad you made it out alive to tell the tale. And I second what Melissa said. If I’m scared outta my mind I can’t even imagine what your mother is thinking.
November 21st, 2005 at 12:59 amLove you
Your still feeling snubbed best friend,
Emily
Hey you LITTLE DEVIL (I remember one of your Halloween Costumes) what are you doing? I hope these stories are illusions of your vivid imagination. Seriously, I know you are having the best time of your life but you BETTER be CAREFULL! Have a very, very HAPPY THANKSGIVING (you have a LOT to be thankful for!) You will be missed. MUCH LOVE from all of us.
November 21st, 2005 at 11:33 amWe are the anonymous…
November 21st, 2005 at 11:35 amit was so good to talk to you!! the delay made it a little awkward cuz you couldnt hear half the stuff i said/would respond 3 seconds later haha but it was SO worth it!! can’t wait to read the ostrich post once its up and i hope you have an amazing ostrich feast at thanksgiving! teddy asked me for help on calling you today so i hope he got through…tell people to call 011 instead of 001 to dial out of the us..anyways, miss you so much! ill send you some pics right now! xoxox
November 21st, 2005 at 3:48 pmcon
just so you know Jess and I are currently trying to call you. We’re on attempt #4. Don’t worry, we um know how to use calling cards…
November 21st, 2005 at 5:15 pmWhat incredible experiences you are having!! And if your friends and Mother are nervous, think how your old grandmother feels! I’m always relieved we read of your adventures AFTER the fact!!. Hope all continues to be as awesome as it has been - and please take care and survive it all!! Papa and I are on our way to LA tomorrow - we shall all miss you at Thanksgiving. We love yoyu, Charlie! Nonnie
November 21st, 2005 at 7:23 pmHey Bubs (Tanya not Charlie), Glad you are having a great time all I have to say is BITCH!!!!! Can’t wait for you to come home and tell us all about it and show us all your piccies. Charlie make sure you look after my little sister and enjoy the time you both have left over there. Tanya have you seen any of your nieces or nephews Evans, Evaline or Babou at all in your travels. Keep an eye out for them and tell them I shall write them soon. Can’t believe you went swimming with the sharks, the croc hunter will be mighty impressed with you. I so jealous and my boss did say I could go over there but it was too late as you needed to know asap. Fingers crossed we get there next year with you. Better get back to work (you wouldn’t know what that is would you???) been busy, schools finishing up in 2 weeks YEAH!! I have 2 weeks off over xmas and I will be heading up to your house the week before xmas!! See you soon miss you muchly luv you even more Jodie XOXOXOXO
November 21st, 2005 at 8:47 pmI can’t believe that you went shark diving! I think this activity might have been the one to send your dad into heart failure!
November 22nd, 2005 at 10:40 pmWe miss you on Medio. Glad we can follow your travels.
Love,
Karen
PS: I am enjoying your photos
never a dull moment!! We haven’t been on your site in a long time, but Will really enjoyed the photo of you on the ostrich!! He can’t believe it!! Can’t wait to see you and discuss all this…did you have to make that jump twice?? What’s a mom to do??
xoxo
December 7th, 2005 at 9:42 pmKaren