New Zealand fishing content creator Henry Gibbs has undergone four surgeries and a skin graft after being bitten by a grey reef shark while spearfishing in Fiji.
Gibbs shared footage of the incident on Instagram, describing how the shark circled him before attacking his right leg. He sustained injuries that required medical attention but did not result in the loss of his foot's functionality.
In his post, Gibbs indicated no ill will towards the shark, stating he was in its environment and hunting its food. He noted that he plans to share more details and footage from the experience to help others avoid similar situations and to inform them on how to respond.
Gibbs recounted that the shark began making tight semicircles and became agitated before lunging at him. He admitted that he should have ended the dive when he observed the shark's changing behavior, calling it a mistake not to have done so. He also noted a difference in aggression between the grey reef sharks he encountered in Fiji and sharks he has encountered in New Zealand.
He advised that if a shark's behavior changes, divers should end the dive immediately. Gibbs also suggested wearing plain black wetsuits in tropical waters, as he has heard of other incidents involving grey reef sharks targeting divers in camouflage wetsuits. He reiterated the importance of not ignoring an agitated shark and not underestimating a shark's risk based on its size.
Gibbs also mentioned that he is considering sharing more graphic footage and intends to discuss carrying and using proper trauma gear, as well as diving with trusted companions.