A Florida paddleboarder, Malea Tribble, had a heart-stopping encounter with a hammerhead shark during a charity race, but she credits her husband for keeping her calm in the face of danger. The incident, which occurred 35 miles off the coast, was captured on video and has since garnered significant attention.
The video footage reveals the awe-inspiring moment when a hammerhead shark began circling Tribble and her group of paddleboarders during the “Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis” charity event. Initially unaware of the presence of the shark, Tribble dismissed the tapping sounds beneath her board. However, upon hearing the urgency in her husband Rick’s voice, she quickly realized the gravity of the situation and followed his directions to return to the boat.
In an interview with “The Faulkner Focus,” Tribble expressed her gratitude for her husband’s guidance, explaining, “I knew by the tone of his voice to pay actual attention and listen, to do everything that he’s telling me to do in that moment.” She also revealed that her husband and the event organizers intentionally withheld certain details, such as the shark’s location and size, to keep her calm during the encounter.
The incident, described by Tribble as “surreal,” marked the first such occurrence in the ten-year history of the “Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis” event. She expressed shock at the encounter, admitting, “I never, ever imagined coming into contact with a shark.”
Despite the unsettling experience, Tribble’s dedication to the cause remained unwavering. Only ten minutes after the shark had departed, she re-entered the water, emphasizing that those with cystic fibrosis cannot abandon their treatment “in the face of fear.”
State leaders along the East Coast are now issuing warnings regarding shark attacks. Steve Bellone, Executive of Shirley County, N.Y., recently announced the closure of the beach due to shark bites, marking a first for the county. Furthermore, Long Island County will incorporate shark incidents into its beach safety protocols.
Tribble emphasized the importance of safety precautions and highlighted that she never engages in paddleboarding alone. She urged fellow paddleboarders to remain attentive and listen to those around them.
Travis Suit, the executive director for Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis, expressed gratitude that Tribble remained unharmed and commended the Tribbles for their calm and disciplined response during the situation. He emphasized that as visitors in the ocean, it is crucial to expect and respect encounters with marine wildlife.
Despite the terrifying encounter, Tribble remains undeterred and hopes that others will not be afraid to venture back into the water. She reassured the public, stating, “You know you’re in the ocean, you kind of know what you’re up against, but it’s a very rare occurrence. My calmness kind of took over. It was instinct for me.”