Flotsam & Jetsam

Shark Tales: Tourists on a luxury boat off Australia’s remote west coast watched in horror as an 18-foot shark bit their boat captain in half while he was snorkeling near the boat. Several other divers who were in the water with him were unhurt. One onlooker said, “It came in, bit him in half, went away for five or 10 minutes, then came back for the other half.” According to authorities, the shark was probably either a great white or a tiger. A South African diver observing great whites also got more than he bargained for when the 15-footer he was observing did more than rattle his cage. “I was in the water and this big shark circled me twice before it started attacking and crushing the side of the cage. Then the captain was hitting it on the head with an iron pole.” Eventually the shark damaged one of the buoys, and the cage sank. The diver had to be dragged to safety by the boat captain.

Excuse Me Sir: Can You Spare A Million Dollar Boat? In Santa Barbara, CA, a transient jumped aboard Truth Aquatics’ 75-foot dive vessel Conception in the middle of the night and took it for a spin. After running into three other vessels and sinking one of them, he ditched the boat on a remote beach. Police picked him up later carrying food he had taken from the galley.

Coolpix Underwater Mode: Nikon has released their new Coolpix S1 digital camera intended for use with their Waterproof Case WP-CP5. Its new large 2.5-inch LCD screen should make it easier to use while diving or snorkeling. It also features an Underwater Scene Mode to enhance colors. Retail is $379.

Oceanographic Diving Expeditions: The Kairos Company Ltd. is offering spots aboard the Kairos, a 36-meter research vessel fitted for expeditions with oceanographic winches, sounders, rebreathers, scooters, nitrox station, and professional video. One upcoming expedition is a Dive Sites Inventory of Tanzania (August to October, 2005). Information is available at www.TheKairosCompany.com.