For many Australians, the ocean is a place of beauty, adventure, and sometimes, a little bit of danger.
But for two West Australians, a recent spearfishing trip off the coast of Kalbarri turned into a heart-stopping ordeal that’s left the internet both shaken and awestruck.
A Dive to Remember
Jasmine Warneford and Sam Anderson, who had only just met days earlier at the Red Bluff campsite, set out for what they thought would be a routine day of spearfishing.
The pair had already spent five hours in the water, enjoying the pristine conditions and the thrill of the hunt, when their adventure took a terrifying turn.
As they floated in the shallow waters off Red Bluff, a massive Tiger shark—one of the ocean’s most formidable predators—suddenly appeared. At first, the shark seemed interested only in the fish the pair had caught. But things escalated quickly.
A Terrifying Twist—Captured on Camera
Thanks to Jasmine’s GoPro, the entire encounter was caught on film. The footage shows the shark snatching one of their speared fish, then making a beeline for Sam, who tries to fend it off with his speargun. For a moment, it looks like the danger has passed as the shark swims away.
But then, in a split second, Jasmine is yanked backwards through the water. The float line, which was attached to her waist and also to the fish the shark had taken, suddenly goes taut.
Intending on its meal, the powerful predator drags Jasmine a full 10 metres underwater. The GoPro footage becomes shaky and chaotic as Sam frantically swims to her aid, reaching out to grab her hand.
‘I had to let myself go and relax,’ Jasmine later told PerthNow. ‘The float line was connected around my waist as the shark was pulling away the fish…it pulled really hard around my waist, my whole body flipped around, and it was kind of dragging me backwards.’
Quick Thinking and Calm Under Pressure
Incredibly, Jasmine managed to keep her wits about her. Realising she needed to act fast, she reached for her knife, cut the float line, and freed herself from the shark’s grip.
‘I couldn’t stress so I needed to relax myself and I grabbed my knife out of my weight belt and cut the line,’ she explained.
Despite having just met, Sam’s quick response and trust between the two divers proved vital. ‘The trust we had for each other during that moment was incredible considering we barely know each other … it’s definitely bonded us for life,’ Jasmine said.
A Shark’s Perspective: Not All Encounters Are Attacks
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Jasmine and Sam were quick to point out that the shark wasn’t out to get them. ‘It was a really incredible experience. The shark definitely just wanted the fish, it didn’t want us,’ Jasmine said. ‘It only wanted Sam for the fact he was poking it with his gun to get it away from the fish.’
In fact, after the drama subsided, the pair continued their dive and managed to catch two more fish for dinner. Talk about resilience!
Understanding Tiger Sharks: Should We Be Worried?
Tiger sharks are known for their curiosity and powerful presence in Australian waters, but attacks on humans are rare. Most incidents occur when the scent of fish or bait attracts sharks, as was the case here.
Experts remind us that sharks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and that most encounters are non-aggressive.
If you’re a keen diver or swimmer, it’s important to remember a few safety tips:
- Never attach float lines to your body—always use a float or buoy.
- Stay calm if you encounter a shark; sudden movements can attract attention.
- Dive with a buddy and keep an eye on each other.
- Avoid spearfishing in murky water or at dawn and dusk, when sharks are most active.
The Power of Community and Preparedness
Jasmine and Sam’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and looking out for one another. Their experience also highlights the value of sharing stories—so others can learn and stay safe.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a shark or another wild animal? How do you stay safe when you’re out enjoying Australia’s beautiful coastline? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—your experience could help someone else stay safe!
Also read: Beach attendance down after ‘massive’ shark sighting
