Beware of the sharks in the shark diving industry
Gansbaai is a popular spot for Great White Shark viewing and Cage Diving. All Shark Viewing Operators should adhere to safety regulations ensuring the safety of all adrenalin/adventure seekers. Unfortunately on the 13 April 2008 a freak wave capsized a shark cage diving vessel after the wave hit the "Shark Team" an 11 meter catamaran killing two Americans and one Norwegian tourists and leaving seven injured. Craig Lambinon from NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) confirmed that "Without a shadow of a doubt it was a freak or rogue wave,". The wave was approximately 4 meters high and hit the boat broadside on, the normal swell of about 2 meters passed underneath the boat whilst at the same time a freak wave swept over it. The operator, White Shark Project believed the cameraman was one of the safest vessels in the industry.
According to a tourist on board they had completed their dive and were returning to shore when the wave struck. Ten tourists and nine crew members were all tossed into the sea. Those who met their death were said to be sucked in and trapped underneath the boat. An eyewitness to the disaster said that he was impressed with the rescue. Whilst other witnesses said the tragedy reminded them of the Asian Tsunami of 2004.
Having experienced shark cage cage diving (with a different operator) at Gansbaai last year I must recommend that any future tourists choose their operator very carefully as one we went with was (although giving a very enjoyable experience) most definitely money grabbing, and at the time I had severe doubts over their safety record because of this greed. If I spent nearly $250 for a shark diving experience,I don't expect to pay $5 extra for a hot shower!!!
Other forms of profiteering included only allowing customers ONE hot drink during the whole experience from a large hot water urn provided. At the end of a cold, choppy and soaking wet voyage - any more than one drink was classed as an optional extra which would be be charged for!!
I cant say this has anything to do with this tragedy but I'm just making potential tourists more cautious over the operator they choose. I will be adding a recommended operator later on in the year after reviewing the whole operation at Gansbaai so keep a lookout...