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Western Australian divers Tim Ryan and Andy Nelson were crayfish diving at Coventry Reef, about 55 km south of Perth, when a great white began circling them as they emerged from a cave. Ryan stayed out rather than return inside, where they would have lost sight of the shark. They eventually reached their boat, but the account makes clear how dangerous and uncertain the encounter was—not a repeatable method for surviving one.
What happened at Coventry Reef
PerthNow reporter Caleb Taylor’s account says Ryan came out of the cave first and saw the shark circling. He chose not to go back inside because doing so would have taken the predator out of view. The PerthNow page’s accessible text does not include the Sunrise interview transcript or specify the “tricks” the men discussed there, so those details cannot be established from that account.
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A separate Sound Telegraph report by Rachel Fenner, published November 1, 2024, dates the encounter to Wednesday, October 30, off Shoalwater. That report describes the shark as a female estimated at about four metres and says Ryan filmed the encounter on a GoPro. These details come from the later local report, not a publication date visible on the matching PerthNow page.
How the divers got back to their boat
In the Sound Telegraph account, Ryan said he tried to slow his breathing and keep the shark in view. When Nelson surfaced, Ryan gestured urgently to warn him as the shark approached from behind. Nelson moved toward the reef, and the shark eventually left.
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The report says the men reached their boat after a frightening final stretch: Ryan had sheltered from the shark long enough to run out of air at 10 metres, while Nelson went to the surface to locate the boat with the shark still in the area. The report does not establish that any particular maneuver caused the shark to leave or would reliably prevent an attack.
What to do if you see a shark while diving
The divers’ actions are part of their account of one encounter, not a substitute for general safety guidance. Surf Life Saving WA advises: “If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.” Its broader shark-safety advice also recommends checking alerts and swimming or diving with others.
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The WA Government’s SharkSmart app provides shark-activity information as well as beach-safety features, including information about patrolled beaches and weather forecasts. Check current alerts before heading out; an app or alert service cannot guarantee safety.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why great whites are found in Western Australian waters
The WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions says white sharks occur in Australian waters, including Western Australia, and are seen more frequently in southern Australia, particularly near seal and sea-lion colonies. The department also says the population has declined significantly from pre-European-settlement levels; the cited page does not provide a specific figure to attach to that statement.
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