Fear of Sharks?
Aug 30th, 2002, 12:09 AM
#1
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Fear of Sharks?
Hello--this is going to sound so lame of me, but I would like to know if any of the islands in particular are known for shark sightings, attacks, etc. It is my one phobia and I would hate for my vacation to be ruined by being cautious to go in the ocean the whole time. Thank you for your understanding and information.
Aug 30th, 2002, 04:11 AM
#2
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Coming from the Midwest where the Mississippi River is the primary water source, I, like yourself used to have the same fear of shars. In addition to "Jaws", being the main shark reference guide, my fears were such that I felt that one was waiting out there just for me.<BR><BR>However after three trips to the Carribean (St. Thomas and St. John) much more ocean experience and after talking to people who make their living in the sea, my earlier fears have all but disintegrated. Most of the sharks in these areas seem to be nurse or reef sharks, which are relatively harmless, and I have yet to see one of those.<BR><BR>From my research, most shark attacks occur around the continents. Considering the huge volume of human entry into the oceans, even these are rare. Most occur during feeding times, dawn or dusk and quite often after bait has been thrown or killed in nearby waters. <BR><BR>It was interesting to see a television broadcast last year, after the Florida attacks, a mother sitting on the beach watching her young son surfing among the sharks as they were feeding in the same area for bait fish. Theb they winder why they get bitten. Although I do not want to imply that everone who has ever been bitten was careless. <BR><BR>I found an interesting website that may help to dispel your fears. They listed statistics of all fatal shark attacks in many places in the world including all of the Carribean islands.<BR><BR>As I recall, the last fataql attack in the Virgin Islands was one which occured in 1965. There was none around St. Lucia and many othere.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of the site, but located it by typing in either "sharks" or "sharkattacks". <BR><BR>I am not an expert by any means, but I do try to avoid places where large sharks or known to be. For example dive operators in the Bahamas advertise dives looking for them. That may be fine for some, but not for me.<BR><BR>Hope this helps. The seas and its creatures are just too beautiful to be missed. Having experienced it, I would have hated to passed by this life and not have seen it.<BR><BR><BR><BR>
Aug 30th, 2002, 02:50 PM
#4
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I've seen both nurse and reef sharks diving, never while swimming or snorkeling. The nurse shark was very shy and swam away as soon as it spotted me. Another time, two small reef sharks sweeped close by, more out of curiosity I guess. Not wanting to add another phobia <grin>, but barracudas are the fishies that make me nervous when I dive...<BR><BR>I also did a shark dive in Freeport with Xanadu divers - it was an experience that I will never forget! Although I have no fear of sharks, I admit my pulse raced when over twenty reef sharks showed up around us. I was *very* surprised to see as many instances of them seeking physical contact with the handler (bumping and nudging), than actually grabbing for fish.<BR><BR>Back to your original question as to where to go in order to feel more comfortable in the water...<BR><BR>I would suggest that you go where the water is the clearest, like Provo's Grace Bay in the TCIs or Tortola in the BVIs. Avoid places where the water can be silty/murky, as it can often get in Freeport or Barbados.<BR><BR>If you can see in the water like glass, and there's nothing marring a sandy bottom for a long stretch (like on Provo), you'll feel much more secure.
Aug 30th, 2002, 04:14 PM
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E.J.: I am absolutely petrified of sharks, so can appreciate your question. We have been to Turks & Caicos, several islands in the Bahamas, Anguilla, Anegada, and the USVI. The only shark I ever saw was a nurse shark in Abaco. While snorkeling, I did not realize it was a harmless nurse shark and frantically tried to get out of the water and onto the boat. Anyway ... An earlier suggestion of going where the water is crystal-clear is a good one. The out islands of the Bahamas have unbelievably crystal clear water and make sure you do not snorkel or dive by yourself. It helps to have at least another pair of eyes looking out. I agree with the person who noted the fish that gets him/her nervous is the barracuda. They get much too close for comfort and have no qualms about showing their razor sharp teeth, but again, all our run ins with them have been harmless. Scary, but harmless. Do not wear any jewelry in the water and don't go in alone, and you will be fine!
Aug 31st, 2002, 04:10 AM
#6
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Again, I am not an expert and I am only a once a year, several times, not a dyed in the wool diver. I also prefer clear water, am not very brave, but have worked to overcome my fears so that I now really enjoy the beauty of the sea.<BR><BR>I have dived and snorkled where there were some large (about 4 ft.+) baracuda. They never have shown any signs of agression. My instructor told me that they would not hurt you if you left them alone. I do not believe that they 'show' their teeth, but their teeth are always visible because of the way they are made. One of the rangers at the visitor center for the St. John National Park, said they have pet names for two of them that were aroud trunk bay. She said they had never caused a problem and had been there a long time. I really think they like to observe the tourists. Hope this helps to aliveate some of your fears.
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Sep 1st, 2002, 06:19 AM
#8
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To E.J.; Some good advice from the posters. I do reef surveys in the Bahamas, and even dove the Lost Blue Hole by Nassau, descending past 48 Caribbean Reef Sharks. We aren't part of their menu; sharks have a very narrow band of ocean creatures they prey upon. Just don't make yourself easily confused. Most shark attacks result in a human being bitten once, then rejected by the shark once it determines the poor food choice on its part. Don't wear shiny jewelry or watches, don't snorkel or swim early morning or dusk. Why? Because reefs are overpopulated and so they split the action between day and night creatures. During these periods, the two worlds are passing each other; the night creatures coming out of the reef sanctuary, the day creatures bedding down for the night. Sharks are most active during these times, and the water has less visibility for them to see your configuration as a human. Most attacks occur 80 feet from the beach in only 5 feet of water. Ironically, you will 100% guaranteed see baracuda, which are just curious and follow you around like dogs. When I do reef surveys, I always have had baracuda follow me around; they're fun! Robert
Sep 2nd, 2002, 01:43 PM
#11
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Anon.<BR>I check out the posts frequently and can't help but notice you seem to have appointed yourself the "board police."<BR>Why don't you actually make some decent suggestions or offer some help instead of spending all this time criticizing the content or topics of other people's posts?
