Great white shark passes close to fisherman in California kayak

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

A great white shark swam within inches of David Slavich's kayak while he was fishing off Northern California on Sunday.

A great white shark passed within inches of David Slavich's fishing kayak off San Mateo County, Northern California, on Sunday. Helmet camera footage captured the encounter as Slavich was casting his fishing line when he spotted the shark swimming alongside him. The predator's dorsal fin protruded above the water as it glided past, disappearing beneath the surface moments later. Slavich immediately began paddling away from the area.

Slavich told Storyful News he was 'absolutely amazed' by the shark's size. '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,' he said. He added that he felt 'more awe and fascination than fear' and described the experience as one he would never forget.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, most human-shark incidents result from exploratory bites as sharks investigate unusual objects in their environment, such as kayaks, rather than predatory attempts. NOAA Fisheries notes that great white sharks migrate seasonally to remain in waters between 50 and 80 degrees.

How it is being reported

• Great white shark gives kayaker fright of his life while fishing off California coast"Oh my god, there's a great white shark."New York Post · 31 Oct, 08:18
• Great white shark makes terrifyingly close pass by fisherman in kayak in shocking videoHelmet camera video from David Slavich's fishing kayak captures a massive great white shark gliding dangerously past him in Bay Area waters.Fox News · 30 Oct, 18:27

In this story: David Slavich · San Mateo County · Northern California · California Department of Fish and Wildlife · NOAA Fisheries

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log