A brave diver has shared her incredible interaction with an ‘unpredictable’ shark after it swam at her with extraordinary speed, preparing to ‘snap [its] mouth open’.
Andriana Fragola, who goes by Andriana Marine on TikTok and Instagram, is a shark safety diver and also a marine biologist who shares jaw-dropping videos online.
Ms Fragola has been studying and researching sharks for years, and her encounters with sharks and other ocean animals often leave people mesmerised.
In a recent clip shared with her 25,000 followers, Ms Fragola explains how “unpredictable” sharks can be and that no two approaches are ever the same, particularly with her “favourite” tiger shark named Kalihi.
As she dives in the deep water off Hawaii, Ms Fragola is surrounded by a company of sharks, and as Kalihi races up toward her in a vertical motion, she’s forced to act quickly.
Although it might not seem like it, the shark approaches at super-fast speeds.
But Ms Fragola explained that the video was slowed down so you can better see what’s happening.
“As she is coming up to me you can see how I dive down to meet her to have more leverage over her head and her jaw,” she explains.
“Because I have seen her approach like this often, I already have the idea in my head that she is probably going to snap her mouth open, which she clearly does.”
Diver comes face-face with the shark
Ms Fragola comes face-to-face with the tiger shark and as the animal opens its mouth, her hands gravitate towards its opening.
“At this point, the reposition of how to control the situation and safely deter her away from me changes drastically. I am able to get above and below her jaw to close her mouth and then guide her in a direction away from me,” she says.
The extraordinary footage left onlookers in disbelief with many in awe of the incredible scenes.
“I would love to see this at regular speed to see how fast the approach was,” one said.
“Oh wow. They are beautiful. You are so lucky,” said another.
The trained shark diver said that sharks are very “powerful” and even if you think you know what you’re doing, they can be “very unpredictable and change in a second”.
“Sharks are not puppies, they are beautiful wild predators,” she said.
“This situation is a wonderful demonstration of how going with someone trained is critical to having a safe and enjoyable experience for both the people and the sharks.”
Diver shares what NOT to do when approached by sharks
In another video where she is approached by a different tiger shark on a separate occasion, Ms Fragola explains the worst thing a diver or swimmer could do.
“Tiger sharks tend to be very shy but occasionally will approach you with this type of confidence. When that happens it is better to be prepared and know how to react.
“Swimming away is the worst possible thing you could do and if you try and extend your fins to block, the tiger will likely plow right through them.
“Locking your elbow and firmly placing down on the top of their head while manoeuvring your body over them is the best and safest way to handle this type of situation.”
Ms Fragola explains the move should only be done if you have experience with sharks, or if you’re left with no other option.
In her workplace bio, Ms Fragola writes that she has a “deep passion” for sharks and finds them “endlessly fascinating”.
“I love how we are able to get people connected with these animals and actually give them the experience to swim alongside them and learn about their behaviours and biology.
“I also adore the sharks as the great mentors that they are. Always learning and experiencing new things when you work with sharks!”
