THE world is still reeling from shock following Australian surfer, Mick Fanning’s close encounter with a shark in Jeffreys Bay yesterday.
However, Geremy Cliff, head of research at the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB), based in uMhlanga said he does not believe that the shark intended to attack the 34-year-old surfing champion.
“He was very fortunate, as I believe that the shark was in an investigative mood, rather than attack mode. If the shark wanted to attack the outcome would definitely have been very different,”he said.
According to Cliff the majority of shark attack victims only became aware of the shark’s presence once the predator had attacked.
“I think it is important to emphasise that the risk of shark attacks are very low, especially if you consider the small amount of reported incidents versus the human activity within our oceans,” he added.
Cliff said if bathers or surfers, in the future find themselves face-to-face with a shark they should first and foremost remain calm.
“Often the automatic response would be to panic and thrash towards the shoreline, but if one is far out to sea this can be dangerous as it could prompt interest and even aggression from the shark,” he said.
Furthermore, if a person is attacked he or she should punch the shark on the snout or eyes, as these are the most sensitive spots on the animal’s body, he added.
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