A RECENT story of a deadly shark attack in Australia got islanders talking. Are there sharks in the Marianas? Yes. Could something like that happen here? Again, yes. What can we do to protect ourselves? Much, because knowledge is power. If you remember even one of the following points it may save your life someday. These suggestions come courtesy of The Shark Trust in England.
If you see a shark stay calm. Panic swimming for the shore is exactly the kind of activity that attracts a shark. Swim calmly, with little splashing, toward the shore or boat. You are probably thinking the same thing I am: when I see a shark, especially one that is preparing to eat me, I will not think calmly, especially if he takes a nibble. Panic will take over and I will try to get out of the water as fast as I can. So, swim towards safety, yes, but swim purposefully and keep your arms and legs below the waterline. It will reduce splashing.
Keep your eye on the shark if you can. If you are under the water watch him. If you are at the surface, watch for the dorsal fin. The moment may come when you must punch and kick.
If you are diving, head for the bottom or a rocky outcropping or piece of coral. Putting your back to a wall reduces the shark’s options. He cannot get behind you for a sneak attack. If you can crouch behind a coral head and keep it between you and the shark, he may not get an opportunity to attack.
If swimming with a friend, get back-to-back. You can watch all sides this way and defend each other. If caught in open water where you cannot get to shore, the boat, or the bottom, this is the best defense.
If a shark attacks you, fight back. No matter how mean and ugly he looks, or how sharp those teeth are, go down swinging. I have heard people say not to punch a shark because his skin is like sandpaper and it will tear up your hand. That is ridiculous. If a shark is trying to eat you punch, kick, bite, gouge, tear out his eye, kick him in the claspers. I would rather be alive with skinned up hands than dead in a shark’s belly.
If a shark lets you go, do not rest. Incredibly, some victims have done just that. A shark attacks them, takes a bite and swims away. Then the person assumes the worst is over and loses any sense of urgency. Sharks often take a sample bite to see what you taste like. Do not assume he will not like your flavor. He may decide you are worth finishing off. If you survive the first hit, assume there will be another.
Once you are out of the water, focus all efforts on stopping the bleeding. Let someone else call the paramedics. Priority One is stopping the bleeding, the number one cause of death of shark attack victims. Most survive the attack only to bleed to death on the shore or boat. If an artery is severed, you will be dead in less than 15 minutes. If you cannot get the bleeding stopped don’t bother calling 911, call the coroner.
A few years ago, this column told the story of a sailor who was caught in open sea and was attacked multiple times by a shark. He was badly mauled but survived. It is worth noting that he did most of the things mentioned here.
BC Cook, PhD lived on Saipan and has taught history for 20 years. He travels the Pacific but currently resides on the mainland U.S.
BC Cook
