Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer
KUWAIT: Visitors at the marina waterfront near the Marina Crescent were in for a pleasant surprise when they spotted the dark silhouette of a whale shark swimming close to the surface of the water. The whale shark; approximately six meters in length is also known as the ''gentle giant.'' Surprised onlookers immediately reported the sighting to the Chairperson of the Kuwait Diving Team Talal Farhan, who quickly sprung into action.
"It was unbelievable, I received countless calls from friends and onlookers who gave varied information about the whale shark and after checking it out, I immediately called for volunteer members of the team to come up with ways in leading the stranded marine creature out into its natural habitat, which is the open seas," said Farhan.
Farhan added that the whale shark could have followed a boat as it made its way to the harbor and since the marina is fully operational, the waterway passage that leads out into the open sea could have been confusing for the whale shark. The diving team''s main aim was to lure it out into the open seas without exerting force in order not to harm the creature.
The diving team''s first attempt at utilizing a boat to lead it out failed which prompted Farhan to seek the assistance of international agencies to provide immediate and comprehensive information and suggestions to facilitate its exit out into the sea. Farhan added that the playful character of the creature made it difficult for the divers to lead it out into the open.
"The Kuwait Diving Team is fully equipped with boats and stateÜofÜtheÜart equipment but we still needed to consult with experts on how to handle the whale properly without causing it any harm or stress. The whale shark was extremely gentle and posed no harm or danger to the divers. It swam almost close to the water surface thus making it easier on the divers'' visibility," added Farhan.
The second attempt to rescue the whale shark involved forming a human barricade. Fifteen divers dived into the water and tried to block any open spaces using their bodies as barricades. This technique too failed to lure the whale shark out. Farhan added that the water enclosure of the marina is quite deep, making it easier for the creature to continuously swim around. Farhan said that if other techniques too fail to lead the whale shark out into the open seas, they will be left with no other option but to use nets.
An international correspondence from Taiwan was received late Tuesday afternoon specifying details of how to transport the whale shark back to the sea. Farhan added that the team will need to discuss and plan the steps prescribed. He also said that reports indicate that the whale shark is female and should she conceive, it would be difficult for the divers to take her out, as she will need to give birth in still water. Tests will also be made to determine if the whale shark is conceiving.
Meanwhile, Farhan spoke to boat owners to diminish the use of propellers so as not to cause stress on the whale shark and for divers not to touch it and stay at least 3 meters away.
"It is the whale shark''s space now, and we urge everyone not to throw things in the water or attempt to feed her. Boat propellers impose a great harm for her fins and skin, and we ask the marina management to constantly monitor the passage of their boats in and out of the harbor," added Farhan
"The whale shark, despite its enormous size, does not pose any significant danger to humans. They are actually quite gentle and can be playful with divers. There are unconfirmed reports of sharks lying still, upside down on the surface, to allow divers to scrape parasites and other organisms from their torso. Divers and snorkelers can swim with this giant fish without any risk apart from unintentionally being struck by the shark''s large tail fin," added Farhan.
"The sight of the whale shark is breathtaking, and I do hope it stays longer for more people to see. I took a lot of pictures and I am very glad that I have to something to remember it. This occasion is very rare and we must take advantage of it," said Hamza Jerawi, a student.
"I volunteer for the Scientific Center, and when we heard that there is a whale shark in the Marina Crescent, we rushed to see it. This is my first time to see a whale shark and the sight of it is remarkable. I was able to capture great shots," added Fawaz AlÜHomoud, a student.
A marine life expert stated that the whale shark prefers warm water and often migrates to places that are tropic and have calm waters. They survive in captivity as reported in many aqua museums, but they can live as long as 80 years if they remain in the open seas.
The whale shark is the largest species of shark and can grow to 12.2 meters (40 feet) in length and can weigh up to 13.6 tons (15 short tons). The whale shark is not an efficient swimmer since the entire body is used for swimming, which is unusual, and contributes to an average speed of only around 5ÜkilometerÜperÜhour (3.1 mph). It is capable of diving to depths of over 700 meters (2,300 feet) and is migratory. The whale shark is generally solitary yet occasionally aggregating in sections when feeding.
Last updated on Wednesday 22/7/2009
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