Paul de Gelder, a former navy diver, shares the vital lessons learned from his near-fatal shark attack in Sydney Harbour in 2009. In an interview for Discovery’s Shark Week 2025, he offers critical insights on surviving shark encounters and the mistakes that can lead to fatal outcomes. De Gelder’s experience highlights the importance of preparation and knowledge when faced with such a dangerous situation. According to a report from LadBible, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by sharks and the life-saving strategies one should employ in such life-threatening circumstances.
The One Thing You Should Never Do
Paul de Gelder reveals the most dangerous mistake you can make when encountering a shark: putting your limbs in the water. In a demonstration, he shows how dropping his prosthetic leg was quickly torn apart by circling sharks.
Paul de Gelder Credit: shutterstock
The synthetic blood convinced the sharks to spare him, but this mistake could have been fatal. This incident underscores the importance of being extremely cautious about what you expose in the water.
Essential Survival Tips
De Gelder shares other life-saving advice, including always carrying a tourniquet to prevent bleeding out in case of limb loss. He also cautions against wearing reflective jewelry that could mimic fish scales and attract sharks. “You don’t want to make yourself an easy target,” he says, stressing the need to avoid any shiny objects in the water. These precautions could significantly improve your chances of survival.
How to React During a Shark Attack
During an attack, de Gelder stresses the importance of staying calm, even though it goes against natural instincts.
“I know it goes against all natural instincts of preservation, not to panic, but that’s the most important thing you can do,” he explains.
“You have to understand these sharks don’t really know what you are, you’re almost the same size as them, and they don’t want to fight.”
De Gelder also advises standing your ground and staring the shark down.
“They know when you’re watching, they don’t want to attack you when you’re watching – they want an easy target. That’s why the tiger sharks always sneak up on us from behind.”
By maintaining eye contact, you show the shark you’re not an easy prey, which might make it hesitate in its approach.
If the shark gets too close, de Gelder suggests pushing—rather than punching—the shark in the nose to force it away from you. This method is more effective in deterring the animal and increasing your chances of survival.