Researcher's incredible encounter with tiger shark in Queensland shallows
A Queensland researcher has captured the incredible moment he swam alongside one of the ocean's most dangerous predators – and even managed to take a selfie.
Brett Methvan was part of a group tagging tiger sharks when he filmed himself gliding with a 3.6 metre monster off Fraser Island.
Swimming in the shallows, the huge shark seemed almost oblivious to her new companion.
"She was really, really chilled out so I thought now's the time - now or never so I jumped in and it turned out amazing - she didn't even flinch,” Mr Methvan told 7 News.
The gentle giant wasn't fazed as it piggybacked the scientist through the water.
He said the experience was a rush.
"The adrenaline's always going from the get go from the moment the she takes off to the moment you finally let one go - and usually for one or two beers afterwards as well."
At one point he even managed to get a selfie with the shark, it’s razor sharp teeth bearing at the camera.
“If you're chilled out the animal itself will be chilled out and you find with the bigger ones you can get in the water and they'll actually sit on your lap,” he said.
Mr Methvan is part of a research group tagging sharks off the Queensland coast.
After tagging the tiger shark, he decided to swim out with it to make sure it was ok.
Contrary to popular belief, Mr Methvan believes the bigger the shark the more placid they actually are.
"Every shark isn't out there to rip your arms and legs off, they are a very placid animal and when they're in their natural environment and not getting harassed they are a very gentle creature," he said.
The researchers will monitor the sharks to find out where they migrate to along the east coast.
News break – June 27
