First Underwater Footage of Great White Shark in Mediterranean Captured During Cleanup Mission
Poinews.com – During a recent cleanup operation in the Mediterranean, divers stumbled upon a rare and unexpected sight. While clearing a ghost net-entangled shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily, volunteer technical divers led by Derk Remmers documented what is thought to be the first-ever video of an adult great white shark in its natural habitat. The encounter, though brief, offered a unique glimpse into the ocean’s deeper mysteries.
The Shallow Threat, the Deep Wonder
The mission, organized by the Healthy Seas Foundation in collaboration with Ghost Diving and the Society for Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS), aimed to remove abandoned fishing gear from the shipwreck. At depths of approximately 40 metres, the divers encountered a large great white shark. Derk Remmers, head of Ghost Diving’s German chapter, recalls the moment with a mix of awe and disbelief.
“We were all a bit shocked—and amazed. My fingers were trembling, that’s for sure. It was a big animal, and we didn’t expect this at all,” he told Euronews Earth.
The shark circled the team before seemingly losing interest. According to Remmers, the creature appeared curious yet non-aggressive, maintaining a calm demeanor. “He swam by, then turned around and faced us. It seemed clear he was the boss down there. When we started releasing bubbles, he sped up and vanished into the blue,” he added.
A Scientific Milestone
Experts who reviewed the footage called the sighting unusually significant. Dr. Carlo Cattano of the Sicily Marine Centre noted that most knowledge about great white sharks in the region comes from dead specimens. “Observations like this are extremely valuable for understanding their distribution, habits, and behavior,” he said in a statement.
While the shark’s presence was a fleeting marvel, the divers’ task remained urgent. The Strait of Sicily is one of the Mediterranean’s most intensively fished areas, and the wreck had been collecting ghost nets for years. These abandoned nets continue to trap marine life, posing a silent but deadly threat.
The Hidden Dangers of Lost Gear
Ghost nets, once used to catch fish, now operate independently, ensnaring animals and plants in the deep. Remmers emphasized their lingering impact. “They are made to kill fish and still do that when they’re not attached to the boat,” he explained.
Previous dives at the site had already revealed loggerhead turtles and other species trapped in the debris. This latest mission recovered sections of the net, which will either be disposed of responsibly or recycled where feasible. Yet, the challenge remains vast.
A Global Crisis in Local Waters
Ghost nets are part of a larger issue affecting the seas. “Between 1 to 10 per cent of all fishing gear is lost annually,” Remmers stated. “That might add up to over half a million tonnes each year.” The shark’s presence underscored the scale of this problem, highlighting the interconnected risks to the marine ecosystem.
Remmers believes the encounter served as a reminder of the fragility of the ocean. “If a predator like that is hunting near the wreck, there’s a high chance it could also target animals trapped in the nets,” he said. “And if we trap it, that would be a major loss.”
Combating the Crisis
While volunteer efforts are vital, Remmers argues they are insufficient. “We can only do so much—there are just a few of us,” he noted. The goal is not only to remove nets but also to raise awareness about the root causes. He stresses the need to address illegal and industrial fishing practices. “Small-scale operations have strong incentives to avoid losing gear, but it’s the large-scale actors who are the real problem,” he concluded.
