A terrifying encounter between kayaker Matthew John Patrick Wells and a great white shark has resurfaced attention on the dangers posed by marine wildlife off the coast of New Zealand. Last month, as he documented his fishing trip, Wells was stalked by the massive shark, sparking both awe and fear.
Wells, known for his adventurous spirit, was kayak fishing for yellowtail kingfish when he noticed something unusual behind him. "What the … great white! Great white shark!" he exclaimed as he paddled with urgency to escape the creature, which he later estimated to be around 4.5 meters (approximately 15 feet) long and weighing over 1,000 pounds.
The dramatic encounter, which he captured on video, showcases the shark’s dorsal and caudal fins slicing through the water just behind his kayak. Wells admitted the experience was more than just frightening; it had him cutting bait and instinctively paddling away with all his might. The video reveals his raw fear and disbelief as he realized the predator was right behind him for about eight minutes, leading him to exclaim, "Leave me alone! He's still behind me, he's going at my rudder… he's just following me."
Wells's nerves intensified as the chase continued. "That was a 1,000-pound shark, and he's right behind me!" he shouted, making the stakes of the encounter crystal clear to anyone watching. At one point he exclaimed, "I've lost sight of him… he could be swimming underneath me too." His tension evidently grew, showcasing the genuine fear of being prey.
Experts note when great white sharks reach such massive sizes, their diet primarily consists of marine mammals, making Wells acutely aware of his vulnerability during such close proximity. "When a great white gets to the size, its main food source is marine mammals, and I am a marine mammal right now," he noted, making the scenario all the more unnerving.
The situation escalated as Wells said, "If I get eaten, it’s not going to be much fun," capturing how he was attempting humor to cope with the terror of his situation. Throughout this nerve-wracking episode, he also began praying to Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea, hoping for mercy as he navigated the depths of his fear. "Please don't attack me, bro!" he pleaded, showcasing how primal instincts kicked in during this encounter.
At around 4 kilometers (approximately 2.5 miles) from the nearest beach, he was metamorphosing from unprepared kayaker to hopeful survivor. Wells attempted to keep his movements calm and quiet to not provoke the immense shark; he later shared, "I also don’t want to go too close to the rocks, then he'll think I'm a seal swimming toward the land." This strategy not only reflected his nerves but displayed the instinctual awareness required when dealing with apex predators.
Upon finally reaching safety, Wells described the ordeal to Storyful, stating, "It took me over an hour to calm down after making it safely to shore.” He reflected on the encounter with appreciation and gratitude as he shared, "The shark eventually left me unharmed, but the experience is one I will never forget."
Wells expressed his deep respect for the great white shark, calling it, "a beautifully terrifying animal, an apex predator deserving of our utmost respect… I’m grateful I wasn't on the menu this day." His mixed emotions showcase the fortunate outcome of what could have been much worse, shedding light on the nature of human interactions with wildlife.
Matthew John's encounter with the great white adds to the growing dialogue around increasing wildlife interactions, pressing the importance of safety precautions for both marine enthusiasts and marine life itself. Awareness campaigns focusing on maintaining safe distances from wild animals and advocating for mutual respect could serve as important steps forward. The curiosity and adventures of kayakers and ocean explorers coexist with the inherent risks taken when close to these formidable predators.
Wells's brush with danger serves as both a thrilling anecdote and a cautionary tale, reminding adventurers everywhere to embrace nature, yet always remain vigilant and respectful of its majestic but potentially perilous inhabitants.