The line moves in circles, then heads for the surface. In a few seconds, the vague silhouette gains shape to show fins, muscles and finally transforms into a powerful and determined whole. No doubt about it – it’s a great white shark.
It swims fast and direct. There’s no head movement typical of small sharks; this one swims straight and true. At least 5 metres long, its body size characterises maturity: it’s an adult female marked by deep scars. I am in her territory, her hunting ground. Her slightly open mouth bites down nervously. Suddenly an enormous hiccup inflates her gills. Horizontal at first, her large pectoral fins flatten. She charges. 15 metres, 10 metres, 5 metres… The “monster” is upon me…
I don’t move an inch. I refuse to be intimidated.
At the last moment, the large female checks her attack and deviates from her course. Her black eye rolls at me from less than a metre away. We stare at each other. She sizes up the foreigner who has not fled her provocation. Nevertheless, to show her determination to remain the mistress of her territory, she swims up to the surface, fearlessly offering her immaculate belly.
She returns, her pectoral fins once again horizontal - a sign of tranquillity. She swims slowly. Her implacable confidence is contagious! I feel a pervading and soothing serenity.The big shark swims so close that I dare to stroke her. I exhale gently to gather speed and sink to her side. We swim together, shoulder to fin. We touch each other gently, respectfully. Nothing separates us. No simulation, merely harmony. It feels like the dawn of time. A genuine meeting of minds, with no calculation: pure and innocent. One of those meetings after which there is a deep joy at having communicated with another living world… A meeting which demonstrates just how much the unforeseeable and wild world is absolutely essential to us.
François Sarano
Slide show images : Pascal Kobeh/Galateefilms "Océans" Jacques Perrin
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