This is quite a short clip for "Magical Moments", but it is not every day that you get attacked by a shark is it?! Of course popular media would have you believe that if you jump into the sea then you will be devoured almost instantly, but despite their fearsome reputation these days there are just not that many sharks out there and they very rarely attack humans. Very rarely, but not never...

So we were in the Socorro Islands recently, a wonderful place full of Sharks, Mantas, Dolphins and Whales which reminds you a little of what the ocean should look like without human interference. One natural phenomenon that they have been seeing a lot of lately are baitballs, which is when fish group together for protection as they are hunted by a predator or predators working as a team. The baitball that we encountered at Socorro was of juvenile Jacks which were being hunted by Tuna, Silvertip, Silky and Galapagos sharks.

As soon as I'd entered the water I felt an almighty smack on my back and I was pushed underwater. I assumed that someone had jumped off the RIB on top of me, but when I turned around no one was there. I later found out from the guys on the boat that a Galapagos shark had literally jumped on top of me as soon as I'd entered the water!

The action was fast! The bait fish were swimming everywhere in an effort to confuse the predators and make their escape. It's not advisable to get into the ball of fish themselves as sharks will often lunge through with open jaws hoping to snag a fish and if you are in their way you could get a nasty surprise. So when the fish start to congregate around you for protection you know it is time to try to move out of the way.

The Baitball had broken up and I was backing away from a group of fish heading in my direction when the Galapagos shark from earlier made its return. It had obviously taken a liking for the electronics in my camera housing because rather than following after the fish it diverted towards me and as I pushed it away it proceeded to take a chunk out of my brand new Amphibico housing. It was the first time that the housing had been in the water and it was attacked by a shark! Believe me that is quite an achievement!

So not really a shark attack on me, but certainly a reality check and a reminder that you can never become complacent when sharks are around and in hunting mode! And remember - sharks are in far more danger from man that we are from them!