As many here know, a tiger shark known as Emma disappeared from Tiger Beach at the beginning of the year. She had not been seen for almost half a year and most assumed she had been caught and killed. Especially as her disappearance coincided with a trophy fisherman was showing off a large tiger shark caught in the same area.
Emma touched many divers. And not just figuratively speaking. She was a large and impressive shark, but also had a particularly calm disposition. As Jim puts it "we gave her no reason to be afraid and in time she became very relaxed around us". And many were saddened by the news of her disappearance. This is an extract from an 800 word poem that Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson wrote about her:
Emma, we discovered in you a wondrous awesome truth,
You danced with us over the bleached white sands,
We did not recoil in fear from your frightful fin and tooth,
We touched your rigid fins with our pale bold trembling hands.
Then last week, on the Wetpixel Sharks & Bahamas Expedition a familiar shape, with that characteristic white mark on her back, just in front of the tail appeared. Emma is back.
Emma has been photographed and filmed by many. She has starred for many film crews or photo expeditions including, IMAX, BBC Wildlife and National Geographic. And of course for many of us here. It is wonderful news that she is alive and well.
Lets celebrate by posting images of this beautiful girl from down the years.
This one was taken on the first dive when she returned:
Alex
