Diver Fights Off Fanged "Vampire" Shark - Daily Mail Online

A fanged Madagascar shark lunges at a diver's head

Shocking images reveal the moments during which a diver desperately fought off a massive Fanged “Vampire” Shark of Madagascar.

British Diver Simon Cowardson was vacationing in Madagascar when he decided to try out the ever more popular sport of shark diving.  This became a decision he almost didn’t live to regret.

“The shark just kept coming at me”, Cowardson told reporters later.  “I think it had made up its mind that it wanted to have me for breakfast.”

The 52 year old lawyer was spearfishing at the time that the shark suddenly appeared out of nowhere.  Fanged Madagascar sharks are known for their two prominent teeth that hang down like fangs, thus prompting the frightening nickname “vampire shark”.  Sightings of the species are rare, but scientists believe the fangs are used to puncture their victims then let them bleed out before feeding.

“First I shoved the shark with my fists, trying to avoid the sharp fangs.  When it was clear the shark wasn’t going to leave me alone, that’s when I used my spear to ram a hole in its stomach.” An estimated only 50 of these sharks remain in the wild and Simon stated that he’s glad there are only 49 now.  “I feel like I’ve done my part to make these oceans a little safer for the rest of us.  The only good predator is a dead predator.”  When asked if he wasn’t also a predator Cowardly responded “I’m not a predator, I’m a human being.”

“That shark had no business coming at me like that.  The bleeding tuna I had tied to my spear gun were clearly mine and the shark should understand that.”

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