Divers Aid Shark Snagged By Fish Hook

Image Credit: Joi Ito

Two kindhearted divers recently helped out a six-foot shark off the coast of Jupiter, Florida. The divers removed a large fishing hook from the shark’s nose after inducing the fish into a state of hypnosis.

Yes, you read that correctly. The divers hypnotized the shark.

Divers Cameron Nimmo and Mickey Smith were able to immobilize the shark by turning the animal upside down, which triggers a phenomenon known as tonic immobility. Tonic immobility renders the animal into a temporary state of paralysis, causing no harm or stress to the animal.

The species that the divers aided is known as a silky shark, named after its silk-like skin texture. Studies have reported a decline in the silky shark population around the world.

Silky sharks have been known to be aggressive, however, the desire to help an animal in need far outweighed any potential risk for Nimmo and Smith.

Cameron Nimmo said, “There is some danger there but the last thing I’m thinking about it getting bitten – I just want to get the hook out.”

After the hook was removed from its nose the silky shark peacefully swam away, presumably thankful for its newfound sinus relief.

We at Awesome Ocean are thankful for these brave divers and their passion for improving the lives of of these amazing creatures. Great job Cameron and Mickey!