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A travel vlogger was recently bitten by a nurse shark in Maldives. The incident was caught on camera.
The key to avoid an attack like this is to avoid provoking or getting too close to nurse sharks.
For a lot of people, a trip to the Maldives is incomplete without an adrenaline-filled snorkelling and diving session. The island takes these activities a notch higher by offering tourists an opportunity to swim with the sharks. While this sounds exciting, this activity took a drastic turn for a travel vlogger who was recently bitten by a shark. The incident was caught on camera and it has sparked a debate on human-animal interaction.
Travel vlogger Chelsea and Antonia, also known as Leap Travellers, recently took a dreamy vacation to the Maldives. Like everyone, they signed up to swim with a school of sharks. However, things went south when Chelsea was bitten by a nurse shark. The incident was caught on a drone camera and the couple, later, shared videos of Chelsea getting medical attention. The couple mentioned that the shark had mistaken the woman’s hand for a tuna and that she did not purposely put her hand in its mouth.
Nurse sharks are considered to be one of the friendliest marine species. They are nocturnal feeders and are not active during the day. However, this video has sparked concern among tourists. Swimming with nurse sharks can be an amazing experience, but it’s essential to approach it safely and respectfully. Here are five important things to keep in mind:
- 1. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Nurse sharks are generally non-aggressive, but sudden, erratic movements can startle them. Maintain a calm demeanour, and swim smoothly. Avoid splashing or making fast, jerky movements.
- 2. Respect Their Space: While nurse sharks are known for being docile, they are still wild animals. Don’t attempt to touch, chase, or crowd them. Give them plenty of room to move freely and observe them from a safe distance.
- 3. Avoid Provoking or Feeding Them: Never attempt to feed nurse sharks or provoke them by touching their tails, fins, or mouths. Feeding can lead to undesirable behaviour, such as associating humans with food, which can cause sharks to become more aggressive.
- 4. Stay Horizontal: Nurse sharks are bottom dwellers and tend to swim slowly along the ocean floor. It’s best to stay at or near the surface and avoid diving down directly on top of them. This gives you a good view while respecting their natural habitat.
- 5. Observe and Follow Local Guidelines: If you’re in a location where nurse shark interactions are guided (like a tour), follow all instructions given by the guides. Local rules are designed to protect both the sharks and the swimmers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
