Great White Shark's Close Encounter With Kayaker Caught on Camera
A fisherman in Half Moon Bay had a terrifyingly close encounter with a great white shark that swam past his kayak, an event captured on his helmet camera.
Fisherman David Slavich had a peaceful afternoon planned for solo fishing in his kayak in Half Moon Bay when his excursion was interrupted by a large great white shark. The encounter was captured on Slavich's helmet camera.
Footage shows the shark approaching Slavich, who expressed his astonishment at its size. "The shark came incredibly close, swimming alongside me just beneath the surface," Slavich told Storyful. "There was a moment when it seemed like we were looking directly at each other, and I had the distinct feeling that it was just as curious about me as I was about it."
Slavich described the experience as evoking "more awe and fascination than fear." In the video, his reaction is audible as he repeats, "Oh my God! Oh my God!" as the shark enters the frame. He quickly reeled in his fishing line to prevent the shark from taking the bait and potentially pulling him into the water.
The shark, estimated to be as large as Slavich's kayak, glided past him. After the shark moved on, Slavich was heard exclaiming, "Okay, we're getting the f--- out of here."