The crystal-clear waters of the Maldives are a paradise for snorkellers and divers. But for one couple, the dream of swimming in the clear, blue waters of the Maldives turned into a nightmare when she got bitten by a nurse shark.
Chelsea and Antonio, a travel-vlogger couple known to social media as the Leap Travellers, were on a trip to Maldives when one half of the duo was bitten by a nurse shark, considered to be one of the friendliest marine species.
The incident was filmed on a drone camera while Chelsea was swimming with a school of sharks. The couple shared a video montage capturing the bite and the medical attention she received later.
The video was shared with this caption:
"To clarify a few things, no she did not just put her hand in the shark's mouth as much as it might look like that. When nurse sharks are eating, they use an incredible amount of suction power to take food in. Unfortunately it mistook Chels' hand as a piece of tuna and sucked it in, but, as you can see, quickly let go when it realised she isn't tuna haha."
Nurse sharks are common in the Maldives and are generally considered harmless to humans. They are nocturnal feeders, which means they are most active at night, and tend to rest in shallow waters during the day. That being said, they're still sharks at the end of the day and one must move around them with caution.
Tips For Swimming With Sharks In The Maldives
While nurse shark attacks are rare, it's essential to take precautions when swimming with them. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Choose a reputable tour operator: Make sure your tour operator has experience with shark snorkeling and diving excursions.
2. Follow instructions: Listen to your guide's instructions and follow their advice on how to interact with the sharks.
3. Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from the sharks, at least 3-4 metres away.
4. Avoid wearing shiny jewellery: Shiny jewellery may reflect light and attract the sharks' attention.
5. Don't enter the water with open wounds: Sharks can detect blood which may attract them to you.
6. Stay calm and relaxed: Avoid making sudden movements or to panic as this may provoke the sharks.
7. Respect the sharks' habitat: Swim freely but without any hindrance to their natural habitat by touching other marine creatures.
Swimming with sharks in the Maldives can be an exhilarating experience, but it's essential to exercise caution and respect these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
