ADVERTISEMENT

Predators are beautiful, diver says despite narrow escape

Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks do not normally feed on humans, and have to be drawn in with bait.

Chan Ming survived a close encounter with a great white shark while cage diving off Guadalupe Island, Mexico

A diver whose near miss with a great white shark became a viral video sensation, viewed more than 15 million times on Youtube, says the ocean's apex predator is "beautiful".

Chan Ming was on a shark-watching excursion off the Mexican coast when the animal broke into the metal cage protecting him.

The shark seized the bait and crashed into the cage, breaking part of it. Unable to swim backwards, it carried on inside, where Chan was alone.

The advertising executive and part-time diving instructor told AFP on Monday that he tried hard to stay calm, "because if I get panicked it will be very horrible in there".

ADVERTISEMENT

"When the great white shark was breaking into the cage, the inside of its mouth was getting jammed in the cage, and at that moment I was thinking 'Hey, don't think about coming in here'," he said.

The video shows the shark apparently bleeding as it thrashes its way out through a gap on top of the cage, which was opened by a crew member.

An agonising 20 seconds pass before Chan, who is from Hong Kong but lives in Shanghai, emerges safely.

The harrowing incident did little to diminish Chan's fondness for the great white and he went back into the water the next day.

"You know in Chinese we say that 'Where you fell down, (is) where you need to stand up'," said the 51-year-old.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I still think the shark, the great white, is so beautiful, they're very beautiful and cute."

In a company statement posted on Facebook, operator Solmar V Luxury Live-Aboard said the shark did not suffer any serious injuries.

"Shark breaches of this magnitude are a one in a million occurrence," it said.

"As unfortunate as it was, it was still an accident."

The company -- whose priority is to offer "unique life experiences" -- said its cages have been reinforced following the breach, and bait would be thrown further away from them in future.

ADVERTISEMENT

After his October 4 brush with the great white Chan wrote on his Facebook page that he had been "reborn" and was savouring Cantonese noodle soup and beer, adding: "Everyday are good days."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT