Sharks in Lebanon

During a dive off rabbits island, the furthermost island out of Tripoli (North Lebanon), while surfacing after a dive150 feet deep, we saw a shark of about ten feet. Our Italian friends, amazed to see them in the Mediterranean, asked us to organize a shark hunt Mahmoud Khalifeh, young professional sponge diver told us of a place where fishermen often saw sharks. He told us that fishermen who used dynamite for fishing were each time surrounded with sharks while they collected dead fish. Sharks seemed to have developed a conditioned reflex. They associated explosion and food. A few days later we drove to Khaizaran between Sidon and Tyre. The team consisted of Roberto Dei and Zareh Amadouny (photographers) Romano Perotto (hunter) and myself as teammate. On our way we stopped by the Khalifeh residence, we met Mahmoud’s father, -sponge diver, and occasional "dynamitero ". He told us how a shark had attacked him while he collected fish. Then he showed us marks of bites he had on the back of his thigh. Believe me this was not reassuring at all. I was glad I exchanged my scuba, painted in white against another one painted in. Isn’t it commonly said that white attracts sharks? I felt so unsecured that I even wore black socks. I was afraid that the color of my flesh would attract sharks. I already regretted being entailed in this adventure.

After Khaizarane we went to the port of Sarafand. From there we embarked on a fishing boat steered by Mahmoud. After a while he stopped and anchored about half a mile from the coast. Romano asked about the nature and depth of the bottom. According to our guide, a 500 feet around, the bottom was flat and average depth was 100 feet. He intended to harpoon a shark if possible. The shark would be slowed and stopped by a balloon secured to the arrow and finally suffocate. But a flat sandy bottom with no significant obstacle is preferred. The shark could not free itself if the line got entangled around rocks. A second condition was necessary. No reef and deep waters around where the shark could dive. If it went deep the balloon would depress and oppose no resistance. Romano prepared a harpoon fastened to a balloon with a line one time and a half the depth to the bottom.

The line was not secured to the powerful pneumatic gun he intended to use. Then he handed me a second pneumatic gun with a harpoon provided with a cylinder able to receive an explosive cartridge, we used to call that a "lupara ". Then he gave me a buck-shot, usually used to shoot wild boar, and recommended not to arm the «lupara » pretending that the mechanism of his gun was not reliable. Later I understood why. Once we were ready, Mahmoud threw a stick of dynamite overboard. A minute later we jumped out of the boat and palming to the bottom. Visibility was about 30 feet. A few dead fish floated half way down and some others were lying on the sandy bottom. As nothing happened we decided by signs to join the surface.

While going up I kept looking around, at the limit of visibility of the bottom I noticed a shadow moving towards the dead fish on the bottom. I stopped and turned back. My companions did the same. The shadow, which was a shark, swam away at once. We got out of the water and once back in the boat we discussed the matter. First remark, there was not enough dead fish to retain the shark. Second one as long as we swam around at the bottom the shark even though attracted by the explosion did not approach. It only did so when we headed back towards the surface. Moreover, it was necessary that Mahmoud went in the water, wait for a bench, of fish coming by, and then use his dynamite. This way there should be more dead fish to bait the shark. Last remark, we should stay away from the bottom as long as we did not see the shark back and occupied eating fish. No sooner said than done. This time the bottom was covered with fish. After a short while at least five sharks came around and started feeding. We tried, with no success, to approach one of them. Every time the chosen shark went away and disappeared in the blue. We swam around disappointed. Then I saw the only one around, vainly trying to catch a fish lying too near to a rock to be caught easily. Occupied, as it was the shark did not notice my approach. I was already twelve feet away, arm stretched, pointing my empty « lupara », feigning an attack. Even today, I do not know from where I got this courage. It was unconsciousness. My weapon was unusable; my action could only push away our prey. Zareh told me later that he did not understand why I delayed firing. The shark, which eventually noticed my presence, took away reluctantly. It swam quietly towards my right-hand side as if it stubbornly intended to come back to the fish. At this moment, I felt a shock on my right shoulder. It was Romano pushing me and rushing in the direction of the shark, he shot without conviction. In a fraction of a second the shark disappeared of our sight taking with him the thread and the balloon. I was persuaded that we would not see it again. We then surfaced, Mahmoud pointed us a direction. I could not believe what I saw. The balloon floated about twenty meters away. We hung on, to the boat that dragged us until we reached the balloon. Romano got back the "Lupara " and the cartridge he had confided me. Exited I was the first to dive down along the thread. The shark, measuring approximately two meters, was lying still on the bottom; the arrow had penetrated through its right gill. The intention was to finish the shark by keeping itself side intact to be able to take pictures. I heard an explosion, the shark did not even move. The buckshot had not apparently made any damage. It was not surprising, these sharks had their skin so hard that it was used as abrasive. After this fruitless attempt, the only choice was to tire the shark. Romano then began a true synchronized swimming with the shark, being careful not to get tangled in the thread. He started testing the reactions of the animal by applying a pressure to the thread. Then he took the arrow by the extremity and patiently, moving upward inch by inch until he reached the point of penetration. I compared him to a toreador at work. The shark swam in all directions but with more and more difficulty.

Roberto and Zareh, who had got closer, took magnificent photos. We had constantly to deviate; fatally one of us was in the path of the tandem shark and hunter. I became nervous and having nothing more to do I decide to warn my companions and swim back to the surface. After about twenty minutes my three companions made it back to the surface. I do not remember exactly how the shark was hoisted over board. In the boat, it was more frightening that under the water. Mahmoud was astonished. On our way back to port, I put my hand with precaution on the skin of the animal. In one direction, the skin was smooth like velvet. In the other direction, I felt like rubbing sandpaper. Then I touched the eye of the shark. It twitched as if it was still alive. I was certainly too curious. The onlookers in the port of Sarafand made us a triumphant reception.