Uncaged shark feeding accident. Who's to blame?

This thought was posted on Thinkaloo on 28 February 2008 by member leslie

Visit www.thinkaloo.com, our new online community where you can share your thoughts and knowledge, discuss your ideas, ask questions and meet smart people

---

I just read about a fatal accident that happened with a tourist that paid to swim among sharks. Many companies lately offer clients the opportunity for uncaged encounters with tiger sharks and great hammerheads, particular species which are known to Attack humans! They basically throw fish and meat into the water to attract a group of sharks and they then dive into the water to get very close to them. This is a dangerous activity.

Usually when a shark will attack a surfer or people swimming near a beach the authorities will try and locate the shark and kill it so that it doesn't attack again. In the case of uncaged shark feeding where people invite the sharks and deliberately swim with them unprotected who is to blame? Should the shark that made the attack be located and exterminated? Or should the companies that offer this service be sued?

I am also curious if the customers/tourists are asked to sign before they try this activity that they recognize this is an extreme and dangerous sport therefore the company devolves all responsibility if an attack happens! This is Crazy!!! What do you think?