Divers off the coast of South Australia's Lower Eyre Peninsula witnessed a dramatic encounter between a pod of killer whales and a great white shark on Monday. The attack occurred during a shark cage diving trip to the Neptune Islands, leaving observers stunned.
Charter operator Matt Waller described the scene as orcas launching themselves out of the water and slamming down onto the shark. He noted that the great white remained on the surface, trying to escape, while other whales likely worked underwater to keep it from diving.
Marine biologist Gina Dickinson, who was on board, said the orcas appeared to be teaching their young how to hunt. The shark was eventually killed below the surface, but Dickinson called it the highlight of her career.
South Australian Museum researcher Catherine Kemper said she had not previously documented such behavior in the region and plans to consult international experts. Waller expressed concern that the attack could disrupt the cage diving season if sharks disperse, though he noted the season has been unusually productive.
