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Watch: Diver Removes Hook from Shark’s Mouth

nurse shark with hook in mouth
nurse shark with hook in mouth

Welcome to ‘Diver Removes Hook from Shark’s Mouth’.

Divers off the Florida coast were recently alerted to a distressed Nurse Shark entangled at a local reef. The shark had a large hook lodged in its mouth. Watch as the diver removes the hook from the shark’s mouth.

nurse shark with hook in mouth
Image by Tazz Felde

Watch this incredible moment as Tazz Felde skillfully removes the hook, freeing and saving this Nurse shark.

YouTube video

Jump to any section or read the entire article on how the diver removes hook from shark’s mouth.

Key Points

  • Divers rescued a distressed Nurse Shark entangled in a reef, with a large hook in its mouth.
  • The divers cut the steel line tethering the shark to the hook, freeing it from its entangled state.
  • While the hook remains in the shark’s mouth, it is likely to rust and fall out over time.
  • The incident highlights the impact of discarded fishing gear on the environment.

The Underwater Event

nurse sharks sitting under reef

At Florida’s Beasley Park, a 6-7 foot Nurse Shark was spotted in distress at an artificial reef, just 100 yards offshore and about 20 feet deep. The shark was tethered by a large hook in its mouth, the line entangled throughout the reef. 

Two divers initially attempted to free the shark but were unsuccessful. They alerted fellow divers, Tazz Felde and Diver Dan, who promptly arrived to assist in the rescue effort.

If you like sharks, check out this story on ‘Cocaine Sharks’.

The Hook Removal

diver removing hook from nurse shark mouth
Image by Tazz Felde

The diver shared that he tried to calm the distressed shark before attempting to remove the hook. Using his strength and resourcefulness, the diver managed to cut the steel line tethering the shark to the hook, freeing it from its entangled state. However, in its rush to escape, the shark sadly swam off with the hook still in.  

Nurse sharks do not have teeth as intimidating as other shark species. Despite this, the situation did carry considerable risk as the shark’s powerful jaws could have easily crushed the diver’s hand during the rescue operation.

Check out this story on how divers performed an ultrasound on a whale shark.

The Hook Left Behind

nurse sharks swimming

Although the hook remains in the nurse shark’s mouth it will likely rust over time due to the corrosive saltwater environment. Hooks, depending on their material, can rust and disintegrate. However, it’s worth noting that this can take months or even years. 

During this time, the hook could cause discomfort or potentially interfere with the shark’s ability to eat. Even though this is a slow process, the shark’s immune system will likely manage the intrusion, and its strong regenerative abilities can help heal any damage the hook might cause.

Ghost Fishing

ghost fishing net on coral reef

Discarded fishing gear, particularly fishing lines, can have severe impacts on the environment and aquatic life. When left in the water, these materials can contribute to marine pollution, often called ‘ghost fishing’. 

Ghost fishing happens when abandoned fishing gear continues to catch and kill fish, birds, and marine mammals. Entanglement can lead to injuries, infections, suffocation, or starvation for marine animals

The accumulation of such debris also spoils the natural beauty of our oceans and beaches, signalling a call for more responsible fishing practices and the proper disposal of fishing gear.

Enjoying ‘Diver Removes Hook from Shark’s Mouth’? Find out more about nurse sharks below.

Nurse Sharks

nurse sharks swimming

Nurse sharks are special types of sharks that live in warm, shallow waters. They eat small fish, shrimp, and squid, which helps keep the ocean balanced.

These sharks do important work, like making sure no one kind of sea creature becomes too many. They also help move nutrients around in the ocean, which is a sign that the ocean is healthy.

Nurse Shark Facts

Are nurse sharks friendly?

Nurse sharks are generally docile and not aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened. They typically do not pose a danger, making them one of the friendlier species of shark.

Is it safe to swim with nurse sharks?

Yes, it is generally safe to swim with nurse sharks. They are often found in shallow, coastal waters and are known to be tolerant of human presence. However, like all wild animals, they should be treated with respect and not harassed or provoked.

What is the bite force of a nurse shark?

Nurse sharks have a surprisingly strong bite force. Though specific measurements can vary, some estimates suggest that a nurse shark can exert a bite force of up to 1,100 pounds per square inch (psi). This is due to their powerful jaws, which are designed to crush shellfish and other prey.

What is the lifespan of a nurse shark?

Nurse sharks have quite a long lifespan compared to some other shark species. They can live up to 25-30 years in the wild, though some specimens in captivity have been known to live for over 35 years.

Do nurse sharks sleep?

Unlike many fish, sharks, including nurse sharks, do not truly sleep as we understand it. Instead, they have periods of rest and reduced activity. Nurse sharks are unique because they can rest on the seafloor without moving and still breathe.

The Video of Diver Removing Hook from Shark

YouTube video

The Bottomline

This remarkable rescue tale highlights not just the bravery and skill of divers, but also the urgent need for responsible fishing practices. Every piece of gear left behind in the sea can lead to ‘ghost fishing’, posing a danger to magnificent creatures like the Nurse Shark, who was fortunate enough to receive a second chance. Thank you Tazz for saving this shark.

What are your thoughts on this rescue mission? Let us know in the comments below.

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