Emma's Back

[Alex_Mustard 0]

As many here know, a tiger shark known as Emma disappeared from Tiger Beach at the beginning of the year. She had not been seen for almost half a year and most assumed she had been caught and killed. Especially as her disappearance coincided with a trophy fisherman was showing off a large tiger shark caught in the same area.

 

Emma touched many divers. And not just figuratively speaking. She was a large and impressive shark, but also had a particularly calm disposition. As Jim puts it "we gave her no reason to be afraid and in time she became very relaxed around us". And many were saddened by the news of her disappearance. This is an extract from an 800 word poem that Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson wrote about her:

 

Emma, we discovered in you a wondrous awesome truth,

You danced with us over the bleached white sands,

We did not recoil in fear from your frightful fin and tooth,

We touched your rigid fins with our pale bold trembling hands.

 

Then last week, on the Wetpixel Sharks & Bahamas Expedition a familiar shape, with that characteristic white mark on her back, just in front of the tail appeared. Emma is back.

 

Emma has been photographed and filmed by many. She has starred for many film crews or photo expeditions including, IMAX, BBC Wildlife and National Geographic. And of course for many of us here. It is wonderful news that she is alive and well.

 

Lets celebrate by posting images of this beautiful girl from down the years.

 

This one was taken on the first dive when she returned:

 

 

Alex

[loftus 42]

She's just awesome. Maybe folks can post these pictures. I have one of her toothy grin. (I'm pretty sure it's Emma, but could be wrong)

[markprior 0]

Here's another picture of the gorgeous girl.

 

 

Mark

[TheRealDrew 0]

Here's another picture of the gorgeous girl.

 

 

Mark

 

 

I have not had a chance to go on a trip to see Emma, but just wanted to say thanks to you all for posting these images. Beautiful and it is a great story.

[jimbo1946 0]

What a great story!

[bmyates 3]

I think this is Emma, but at this angle you can't see her markings. This was taken last year, and there was some discussion that she might have even been pregnant at the time (if so, might that partly account for her absence?):

 

I actually titled this photo "Queen of the Deep" because she was almost regal-looking...

Edited July 31, 2008 by bmyates

[echeng 0]

Bruce - Emma popped before November of last year. I was there for a short trip in Nov, and she was really, really skinny. It was bizarre, actually, as it made her look shorter as well.

[kevphol 0]

Wow, very cool and beautiful indeed! How big is she?

[bmyates 3]

Wow, very cool and beautiful indeed! How big is she?

 

As I recall, best guess was that Emma is about 14ft long.

 

The tigers at tiger beach tend to range from 8-10 ft for the young ones to 14-15ft for the biggest older ones (like Emma).

 

Here's a shot of Emma "examining" Jimmy's strobe -- it gives you an idea how big she really is (that's a lotta shark!). You can see how concerned Eric is...about getting the photo, that is.

[kevphol 0]

I like your vantage point Bruce! I think that would be my preferred position as well. Haha.

[echeng 0]

Note my textbook positioning of the shark stick.

[loftus 42]

Note my textbook positioning of the shark stick.

Looks like it's in the groin protection position to me.

[TheRealDrew 0]

Looks like it's in the groin protection position to me.

 

Of course now I thnk of Mr. McGinty

[crubie 1]

Currently editing my video footage of Emma, but will post a link soon.

I have about 3.5 hours worth of 'Emma the return" video to edit !

 

Hope to get something done this weekend.

[Nadine 0]

Yippiee,this are the best news of this year. I have so many pics of our beautiful girl, here are some...