1992 Cageless shark-diving expedition

The 1992 Cageless shark-diving expedition that was led by Ron and Valerie Taylor contributed to changing public opinions about the supposed ferocity of great white sharks.

History

In January 1992, during the filming of a documentary film "Blue Wilderness", during surface testing of the prototype "Shark Pod" (now Shark Shield) among several large Great White sharks swimming around some distance from the boat, four divers: Ron and Valerie Taylor (notable Australian pioneers of underwater exploration and film-makers), George Askew, and Piet van der Walt tried diving at Dyer Island, South Africa without a safety cage. The Taylors, were testing their hypothesis, based on many years of experiences with sharks, that these animals had a much fiercer reputation than they deserved.The Taylors feel that the Australian sharks have a slightly different disposition.

On this dive no sharks approached and they were entirely unable to get any footage or photographs.

Impact

The divers found the sharks were actually very timid and difficult to approach.

Spearfishermen in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape often report difficulties with White Sharks, and there have been several fatalities.

ee also

* Jaws
* Great white shark
* Andre Hartman

External links

* [http://www.sharkmans-world.com/rv.htm Interview with Ron and Valerie Taylor]
* [http://www.thejohnharding.com]