Skip to Content

Shark Leaps Onboard Fishing Boat Surprising The Fishermen

shark jumps onboard
Sharks are unpredictable animals, but they don't just jump into boats for no reason. Image by Churchys Charters via Youtube

Imagine a serene day at sea, the gentle sway of the boat, and the anticipation of reeling in the catch of the day and a shark jumps onboard. Picture a massive creature soaring through the air and landing on the deck, surprising everyone on board. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a real-life encounter experienced by a group of fishermen who found themselves face to face with an unexpected visitor: a shark.

The Story

Screenshot from: “Shark jumps aboard New Zealand fishermen’s boat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Fishermen in New Zealand got a surprise visit from a Mako shark that jumped aboard their boat. It did manage to free itself after a little while, with no intervention from the fishermen. They were just grateful it didn’t jump onto the stern of the boat where they were.

Surprising Behavior

Screenshot from: “Shark jumps aboard New Zealand fishermen’s boat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Sharks, often portrayed as solitary hunters of the deep, can sometimes exhibit surprising behavior by launching themselves onto boats. While it may seem bizarre, there are several reasons why a shark might find itself on the deck of a vessel.

Why Sharks May Launch Onto Boats

Screenshot from: “Shark jumps aboard New Zealand fishermen’s boat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Eyewitness News ABC7NY

One possibility is that the shark is in pursuit of prey, such as fish attracted to the boat’s hull or the bait used by fishermen. Another explanation could be a case of mistaken identity, where the shark confuses the boat’s silhouette with that of a potential meal. Additionally, environmental factors such as rough seas or unusual currents might contribute to erratic behavior in sharks, leading to unexpected encounters with boats.

Curious Creatures

Screenshot from: “Shark jumps aboard New Zealand fishermen’s boat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Despite their reputation as apex predators, sharks are not immune to curiosity or miscalculations, making these encounters both thrilling and unpredictable.

What to Do if a Shark Jumps Onto Your Boat

Screenshot from: “Shark jumps aboard New Zealand fishermen’s boat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Eyewitness News ABC7NY

Encountering a shark on the deck of your boat can be a heart-stopping moment. It’s essential to remain calm and respond appropriately to ensure everyone’s safety. First and foremost, prioritize your own well-being by carefully moving away from the shark. Additionally, avoiding any sudden movements that may startle or provoke it further. If possible, alert your fellow passengers to the situation and instruct them to stay calm and still.

YouTube video

Stay Out The Way

Great White Shark.
Sharks are highly intelligent creatures. Image by Oleksandr Sushko via Unsplash

While it may be tempting to attempt to remove the shark from the boat, it’s crucial to remember that these are powerful and potentially dangerous creatures. Instead, focus on creating distance between yourself and the shark while waiting for it to retreat back into the water. Once the shark has returned to its natural habitat, assess any damage to the boat and proceed with caution. This would be to try to prevent further incidents. While encounters like these are rare, being prepared and level-headed can make all the difference in ensuring a safe outcome.

The Remarkable Phenomenon of Sharks Breaching

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) breaching in an attack on seal, South Africa. Image via Depositphotos

Sharks breaching out of the water with astonishing height and agility is a spectacle that never fails to captivate observers. This behavior, typically associated with certain species like the great white shark, serves various purposes in the shark’s natural habitat. One theory suggests that breaching allows sharks to surprise and ambush prey from below. Thus, utilizing the element of surprise to increase their hunting success. Additionally, breaching may play a role in communication and social behavior among sharks. Furthermore, serving as a display of strength or dominance within their community.

The Mechanics

Breaching Great White Shark, South Africa. Image Via Depositphotos

The mechanics behind a shark’s breach are equally fascinating, involving a combination of speed, power, and precise timing. By propelling themselves upward with an explosive burst of energy, sharks demonstrate their remarkable adaptability and athleticism in the marine environment. Witnessing a shark breach is not only a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. It is also a reminder of the complexity and diversity of life beneath the waves.

Mako Sharks

Shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). Mark Conlin, SWFSC Large Pelagics Program, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mako sharks are among the fastest and most agile sharks in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. There are two species: the shortfin mako and the longfin mako. Known for their streamlined bodies and powerful, sharp teeth, makos are formidable predators that primarily feed on fish and cephalopods. They are highly migratory, often traveling long distances across oceans. Mako sharks are prized by sport fishers for their speed and agility, but they face threats from overfishing and bycatch, leading to concerns about their conservation status.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Shortfin mako shark
Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus). Mark Conlin, SWFSC Large Pelagics Program, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, from the surface to depths of around 150 meters. The shortfin mako inhabits the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, often in offshore and coastal waters.

Longfin Mako Sharks

Long fin mako shark compared to average human (2.5 m vs 1.75 m). Kurzon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus) is an endangered, more elusive relative of the shortfin mako. Distinguished by its elongated pectoral fins, the longfin mako inhabits warm, tropical, and subtropical waters. Its habitat range includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, typically from the surface to depths of about 200 meters.

Wrapping Up

video inside Shark
Encounters with sharks, whether on a boat or witnessing their breaching behavior, offer a captivating glimpse into the complex and diverse world beneath the ocean’s surface. Image by Los Muertos via Pexels

From the adrenaline rush of a surprise encounter to the awe-inspiring spectacle of a shark breaching, these moments offer a glimpse into the remarkable world beneath the surface. By understanding why sharks may leap onto boats, knowing how to respond in such situations, and appreciating the fascinating behavior of breaching sharks, we gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the marine realm.

Conclusion

Great White Shark swimming close to the ocean surface.
Great White Shark swimming close to the ocean surface scoping out its surroundings. Image by Oleksandr Sushko via Unsplash.

Thank you for reading! You can watch the clip here.

Join our Forum for free today!

Animal Forum
Click Here
Grizzly Bear Spotted Feet From Alaskan Campsite Top 10 States With The Most Cougar Top 10 States With The Most Moose Top 10 States With The Most Coyote Top 10 States With The Most Elk