A woman faced a terrifying encounter with a shark that tried to drag her to the depths while snorkelling off the coast of Brazil. Tayane Dalazen was peacefully exploring the waters surrounding the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in Pernambuco, about 220 miles off Brazil’s northeastern coast, when chaos ensued.
Footage shows the 36-year-old lawyer surrounded by colourful fish and other marine life such as dolphins, turtles and sharks, in the UNESCO World Heritage site that has become a popular spot for tourists to experience up-close encounters. Ms Dalazen is seen swimming upside down, enjoying the experience as several sharks swam around her. However, just a split second later, a nurse shark clamps onto her leg and pulls at her when she struggles to break free.
The nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a nocturnal, bottom-dwelling suction feeder, while the great white (Carcharodon carcharias) is a predator that is active during the day and rips large chunks of flesh from its prey. The former uses a method called buccal pumping, where they actively pump water over their gills using cheek muscles, allowing them to remain motionless on the seabed for extended periods. While great whites aim for large marine mammals like seals, small whales and large fish, nurse sharks feed on smaller species, crustaceans, squid and shellfish found on the seafloor.
Miraculously, despite the shark’s grip, Ms Dalazen managed to escape with only minor injuries. Speaking about the ordeal afterwards, she said she immediately realised what was happening and explained the animal held onto her for a few moments before letting go, according to The Sun.
“At that moment, I knew I had been bitten,” she said. “I had to wait because the shark was holding me, albeit only with suctions as it was a nurse shark.”
Dalazen was with two friends and a tour guide when the incident happened. She later said the guide acted quickly to ensure the animal released her.
“I felt it shaking me by the leg. I thought I could not put my hand there, because it could rip it off,” she said. “The guide had to hit it so it would let me go.”
Once pulled from the water, Ms Dalazen was helped by her guide and local fishermen. Her friend, dermatologist Caroline Pereira, immediately administered first aid, cleaning the puncture wounds to prevent infection. Photos shared online afterwards showed several small punctures on her leg, but nothing life-threatening.
She was taken to a hospital for treatment and was later discharged, telling her followers on social media that she was okay, joking: “The shark must be missing a tooth”.
Following the incident, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation has opened an investigation. Environmentalists have long warned that irregular feeding of marine animals can increase risks for both humans and other wildlife. The insititue reminded the public that feeding wild animals is prohibited within Fernando de Noronha’s conservation area and inappropriate interaction can lead to dangerous encounters.