A paddle boarder has spoken out after footage of her went viral showing a shark circling her board.
Unexpected Encounter in the Ocean

Malea Tribble experienced a heart-stopping moment when a shark began circling her paddle board between the Bahamas and Lake Worth, Florida.
Viral Footage Captures the Incident

Footage of the incident, shared on social media, shows Malea remaining calm while her husband, Ricky, ushers her back inland.
An Eerie Fin Emerges

Malea initially dismissed taps on her board as seaweed but soon realized it was a shark.
Husband’s Reaction Sparks Realization

Upon spotting the shark fin, Ricky’s reaction confirmed Malea’s fears about the predator below.
Shark’s Curiosity

The shark, possibly a hammerhead, circled Malea’s board out of curiosity.
Remaining Calm Under Pressure

Despite the danger, Malea and her husband kept their cool, providing a valuable lesson in handling such encounters.
Another Paddle Boarder in Danger

Another paddle boarder, Gabe, found himself in the shark’s path but managed to stay safe.
Onlookers’ Desperate Shouts

Onlookers shouted at Gabe to stay still, speculating about the shark species.
A Close Call

The shark eventually lost interest, allowing Gabe to paddle back to safety.
Reflecting on the Ordeal

Malea shared her thoughts on the experience, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm.
A Lesson in Ocean Safety

The incident highlights the need to respect marine life and stay vigilant while in the ocean.
Paddle Boarders’ Composure Praised

Travis Suit, founder of The Crossing For CF event, praised Malea and Ricky for their calm response.
Respecting Marine Life

Suit reminded everyone that the ocean is the sharks’ home, and encounters should be expected.
Hammerhead Shark Statistics

The International Shark Attack File records 18 non-fatal unprovoked incidents with hammerhead sharks.
No Fatal Hammerhead Attacks

No deaths have resulted from encounters with hammerhead sharks, according to the data.
The Importance of Ocean Awareness

The incident underscores the need for awareness and caution while enjoying ocean activities.
A Reminder to Stay Calm

The viral footage serves as a reminder to stay calm and composed during unexpected wildlife encounters.
Preparing for the Unexpected

Malea’s experience is a valuable lesson in preparing for the unexpected while paddle boarding.
Respecting the Ocean’s Inhabitants

Tourists and paddle boarders are urged to respect marine life and follow safety guidelines.
Next Up:
Half-Ton Hammerhead Caught and Released Off South Carolina Coast (13 feet long)
- How Berry (a 525-Pound Black Bear) Survived the Devastating Wildfire in LA - February 5, 2025
- Massive Hammerhead Shark Circles 2 Paddle Boarders off the Coast of Florida - February 5, 2025
- Travelling Bald Eagle Goes Through TSA line at Charlotte Airport - February 5, 2025