There’s taking the boat out for a leisurely cruise, and then there’s the variant on the three-hour tour. TikToker Gypzeee (@gypzeee) discovered that every day can be a nerve-wracking adventure when you’re boating in shark-infested waters.
In a short but impossible-to-look-away-from video, Gypzeee is filming the transom (back) of her boat. There, in the deep blue water, swirling around her outboard engine is a large tiger shark nipping at the motor.
What Is This Tiger Shark Doing?
The shark does not seem to be discouraged by the fact that the motor is not actually edible. Nor is it compelled by Gypseee’s assertion that it’s an expensive piece of equipment. But perhaps most shocking of all is Gypseee’s own response.
Instead of wild shouts of terror, or even shrieks of surprise, she just seems low-key annoyed. The kind of annoyed you might be with an irritating dog, and the shark seems to be leaning into it. Gypseee is trying to “redirect” the shark away from the boat by reaching into the water and gently shoving it away. It’s giving “stop that,” not “help me.”
For its part, the shark just seems annoyed. Neither ramping up into attack mode, nor willing to leave the outboard alone. After she pushes it away for the third time, it seemingly harrumphs as it rolls onto its back and snaps its jaws at her. At the end, it swims slowly away.
People Find It Adorable
Users are torn, some terrified while others are arguing that dolphins are the real menaces of the sea.
“Sharks are ocean puppies, she is ‘on’ Love! [big smile emoji] Dolphins are the real menaces, look into it sometime!” writes UndeadD4wg (@irldogbtw).
Raina concurs, writing, “They’re such adorable menaces. Did you see the vid where a tiger shark dropped a rock over some divers?”
Adorable menace is one phrase for tiger sharks. Another is apex predator. Often called “garbage cans of the sea” because of their varied diet, the animals are opportunistic eaters. And if you’re always on a lunch mission, it’s reasonable that you investigate lots of things—if you’re a shark.
Now, it’s probable that the tiger shark was just checking out Gypzeee’s outboard motors. After all, they are a shiny, delicious-looking blue (sharks might see color, but they absolutely see light and dark). Sharks are also possibly more drawn to bright and shiny objects. Opportunistic menace or not, this shark clearly is not in the killer whale group chat.
How To Deal With A Shark Encounter
It is the ultimate summer fear: a shark in the water near you. Though relatively rare, humans and sharks do come into contact. This is especially true in those areas of the world where the two congregate. However, you can take steps to avoid these legit dangerous animals: Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks tend to feed. Also, swim in a group, and avoid murky water.
Sharks typically aren’t interested in eating people, and most bites are a result of curiosity, not predatory drive. The Georgia Aquarium notes, “a shark might mistake a person on a surfboard for a sea turtle, or a swimmer for a sea otter.” Nonetheless, a bite is going to hurt.
If you do end up in a situation where you are sharing space with a shark, stay calm and back away slowly. Don’t scream and splash since a shark is going to read that as “prey.” If it’s too late for that, the shark is charging you, experts agree that you should punch the shark in its nose, gills, or eyes. The theory is that a shark is always looking for an easy meal; if you fight back, it might swim off. After an attack, seek medical help immediately.
But really, the chances of getting bitten by a shark are incredibly low. Each year, there are about 60 to 65 unprovoked attacks worldwide. And of these, only about six a year are fatal. There are even surfers who’ve lost a limb to a shark and still returned to the ocean. Besides, you have a better chance of winning an Olympic medal than getting attacked by a shark.
So, take a page out of Gypzeee’s book: Stay calm, kind, and firm. The ocean is for everyone; just keep in mind some denizens explore with their really sharp teeth.
BroBible reached out to Gypzeee via Instagram and TikTok direct message.