Spearfisher Survives Shark Attack Off Fiji After Multiple Surgeries
A New Zealand diver was attacked by a grey reef shark while spearfishing near Fiji on July 19, sustaining injuries that required four surgeries and a skin graft, but he expects a full recovery.
A spearfisher was bitten by a grey reef shark off the coast of Fiji on July 19, an incident captured on video that the diver, Henry Gibbs, posted to social media. The footage shows the shark circling beneath the surface before lunging at Gibbs and gripping his calf, causing the animal to perform a "death roll" maneuver.
Gibbs, a New Zealand-based ocean enthusiast, said the attack resulted in severe leg injuries that required four surgeries and a skin graft. He reported that doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
"I never thought a shark of that size posed much of a threat, and that was a mistake," Gibbs said.
He added that several grey reef sharks were present in the area at the time and emphasized that he was hunting in the sharks' natural habitat. Gibbs hopes the video and his comments will provide guidance for other divers.
"No hard feelings towards the shark. I was in its environment hunting its food. Wrong place, wrong time," he said.
Gibbs plans to share additional safety tips when he releases the full footage, aiming to help others avoid similar encounters.