Great White Shark Encounters Scuba Diver Near Año Nuevo Island

On the morning of March 11, 1979, a scuba diving operation was underway in the Pacific Ocean near Año Nuevo Island off the California coast. At approximately 10:00 a.m., a 34-year-old male diver was scouting the area at a depth of about 15 feet when a large great white shark suddenly approached and seized his swim fin, spinning him around in the water. The shark quickly released its grip on the fin and retreated. The diver immediately made for a nearby skiff and climbed aboard safely. Once at the surface, the shark reappeared approximately a few meters away from the vessel. The animal circled the skiff for two to three minutes while the diver watched from safety before the shark eventually descended and disappeared from view. The diver emerged from the encounter without injury, though his swim fin bore the marks of the shark's bite. The diver identified the animal as a white shark and estimated its length at 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16.5 feet), consistent with a large adult great white shark. This unprovoked encounter occurred during daylight hours with favorable visibility conditions. The incident was documented by shark researcher Ralph Collier as part of the Global Shark Attack File, adding to the scientific record of great white shark behavior in California's coastal waters.