Shark Leaps from Ocean, Lands on Fishing Boat Stunning Passengers

In a startling encounter off the coast of New Zealand, passengers aboard a fishing boat experienced a rare and dramatic moment when a mako shark leapt from the ocean and landed directly on their vessel. The unexpected incident, which occurred in early November 2022 near Whitianga, was captured on video and has since gone viral across social media platforms.

The footage shows the powerful mako shark bursting from the water in a spectacular display of natural agility before crashing onto the bow of the boat. Initially, the disoriented predator thrashed around the deck, causing moments of alarm among those on board. After several tense moments, the shark managed to wriggle itself free and slide back into the ocean, apparently unharmed from its brief terrestrial adventure.

Remarkably, none of the passengers sustained injuries during the encounter, though their shocked reactions were evident in the video. The charter boat, operated by Churchys Charters NZ according to attribution in the footage, continued its journey after the unusual visitor departed.

Marine biologists note that mako sharks are known for their impressive leaping abilities, sometimes reaching heights of up to 20 feet above the water’s surface. These oceanic predators are among the fastest sharks in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour in short bursts.

“What makes this incident particularly unusual is that the shark actually landed on the vessel,” explains Dr. Catherine Miller, a marine ecologist at the University of Auckland. “While makos are known to breach, having one land on a boat is extremely rare and likely the result of the shark pursuing prey near the surface.”

The waters surrounding New Zealand are home to diverse marine life, including approximately 66 species of sharks. The mako, recognized by its distinctive metallic blue coloration and pointed snout, is a species frequently encountered in these temperate waters, particularly during spring and summer months when they follow prey fish into coastal regions.

Local fishing guide Thomas Williamson, who has operated in the Whitianga area for over 15 years, told reporters that such incidents, while uncommon, do occasionally occur. “I’ve seen makos breach dozens of times, but having one actually land on a vessel happens maybe once every several years. It’s a reminder that we’re visitors in their environment.”

The incident has sparked renewed interest in shark conservation efforts in New Zealand, where several species face declining populations due to commercial fishing practices and habitat degradation. The mako shark is currently listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has used the viral video as an opportunity to educate the public about marine safety and the importance of respecting wildlife while engaging in recreational boating and fishing activities.

“This video serves as a dramatic reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine encounters,” said marine conservation officer Sarah Thompson. “While the situation resolved peacefully, it emphasizes why boaters should maintain awareness of their surroundings and know appropriate responses when sharing waters with large marine predators.”

The footage, initially shared by Churchys Charters NZ before being distributed by Storyful, continues to circulate online as a remarkable example of the unexpected encounters that can occur between humans and marine wildlife in New Zealand’s rich coastal ecosystems.