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Police in Australia had a bit of a scare the other day, when a Great White Shark popped up while they were trying to investigate a boat.
Patrolling at Tapley Shoal near Edithburgh, the South Australia police were performing random alcohol breath tests on boats to make sure no one was sailing while under the influence. They noted on Facebook that 30 boats had been checked with no signs of drugs or alcohol.
However, while approaching a fishing boat, the shark – dubbed Noah – swam between their dinghy and the other boat. It’s estimated the shark was about 4.5 meters (nearly 15 feet) long, and it had been following the fishing boat for about 10 minutes.
“Police were concentrating on recreational boats and checking registration, licenses and safety equipment along with alcohol and drug testing operators when they were paid a visit by one of the locals,” the police wrote on Twitter.
“Noah wasn't keen on being breath tested and our Water Operations Unit officers were happy to oblige!”
Speaking to ABC Radio Adelaide Breakfast, one of the fisherman in the targeted boat – Mark Oaks from Melbourne – said they’d been trying to get away from the shark when the police approached.
"We kind of had thoughts of changing our Bonds [underwear] a couple of times," he said.
"At the same time, the coppers were out there with their big patrol boat and they had another two guys on the inflatable."
As the police approached, Oaks said he told them to “back off a bit” as the shark was right next to them. They ultimately gave up on trying to breathalyze Oats.
"There was very little fish caught that day, I can tell you," he added.
According to The Guardian, just 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the West of Edithburgh there is a global hotspot for great whites called Neptune Island. They are listed as endangered, and cannot be harmed without express permission to do so.
