Lilian Tagliari, a popular travel influencer, had what can only be described as a nightmare experience while diving off a paradise island in the Maldives.
While swimming among a group of 50 nurse sharks, one of the sharks suddenly attacked her, biting her right leg.
The terrifying moment, captured on video, quickly went viral, accumulating over 18 million views.
The Attack
Lilian was enjoying a routine dive when one of the nurse sharks mistook her for a fish.
The video shows her underwater, visibly in pain, as blood pours from the wound on her leg.
Teeth marks are clearly visible on her calf and shin. Lilian later shared that she believes the shark’s poor eyesight led to the attack.
“The boats usually throw fish in this area, and because nurse sharks have very bad eyesight, one of them must have thought my leg was just another piece of fish,” she explained.
Immediate Aftermath
Although the incident was shocking, Lilian’s injuries were not as severe as they could have been.
She took antibiotics to prevent any infection and dealt with a sore leg for a few days.
Despite the scare, Lilian wasn’t ready to let the experience ruin her dive adventures.
After some time to recover, she returned to the water. “I thought, ‘just my luck,'” she joked, noting how rare such attacks are.
The Shark Species of the Maldives
The Maldives is a stunning travel destination known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but it is also home to around 30 species of sharks.
Some of the more well-known species include tiger sharks, whale sharks, and grey reef sharks.
Nurse sharks, which are common in the region, can grow up to 14 feet long.
While they are typically not harmful to humans, they do have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to catch prey like fish and shrimp.
Shark Encounters Are Rare, But Still Possible
Shark encounters in the Maldives are not an everyday occurrence, though many resorts offer opportunities for tourists to swim with these creatures.
While most sharks in the region are considered friendly, experts warn that caution is needed, especially when swimming with tiger sharks or nurse sharks.
In fact, another frightening shark encounter occurred shortly before Lilian’s incident.
A video showed a massive shark attacking a diver, clamping its jaws around the swimmer’s head.
After struggling to escape, the diver was freed and managed to signal for help.
The Risks and Rewards of Shark Diving
Lilian’s experience serves as a reminder that even in areas known for their beauty and peaceful encounters with wildlife, dangers can still exist.
Although most shark attacks in the Maldives are rare, it’s always important to be aware of the risks and follow proper safety precautions when diving or swimming with sharks.
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