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Rockingham crayfishing couple Ben Farmer and Kate Harvey circled by 4m great white shark ‘Bruce’ off Point Peron

Headshot of Miriam Fisher
Miriam FisherThe West Australian
VideoA Rockingham couple had been enjoying a relaxing morning out on the water when they had a terrifying close encounter with a 4m great white shark. Credit: Ben Farmer

Ocean enthusiasts beware. Think twice before dipping your toe in today.

A Rockingham couple were enjoying a relaxing morning out on the water when they had a close encounter with a 4m great white shark.

Ben Farmer and his partner Kate Harvey had been pulling crayfish pots about 1km off Point Peron when they found themselves being circled by the shark almost the size their 4.5m boat.

“For at least 15 minutes it circled and was really close. I could easily have touched it,” Mr Farmer said.

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The crayfisher said he had just moved to Rockingham from Two Rocks where it was “particularly bad” for sharks.

But he didn’t expect to find himself sharing the waters with local legend that is Bruce.

“It’s only our second time out down here, but at the boat ramp a few older gents referred to that particular-sized shark as Bruce and it is a resident shark that may be tagged,” he said.

Kate Harvey with her first cray.
Camera IconKate Harvey with her first cray. Credit: Ben Farmer

While the situation would have terrified most, the pair kept calm and carried on.

“To be honest Kate had just caught her first ever crayfish and was pretty excited then the shark appeared and we just were in awe of such a cool animal just doing its thing,” Mr Farmer said.

“Kate was speechless and very excited to film her first shark experience. We just kind of wished we were in a bigger boat.

“I think it made the experience that much more memorable. We really felt vulnerable but didn’t feel threatened as it wasn’t aggressive.”

Mr Farmer said despite not being worried himself, he reported the shark to water police just before 7am given the white cray run has now started so he knew many crayfishers would be out on the water.

He also posted to Facebook to warn divers to stay away.

“I put a post on my personal Facebook saying I would think twice about diving at Garden Island today as I know a lot of guys were heading there this morning,” he said.

“I wanted people to be wary as the water visibility is quite poor and very busy at the boat ramp.”

Reposted three hours ago on West Australian Undersea Club Inc’s Facebook page, the picture of the amazing beast has generated hundreds of comments, reactions and shares already.

Mr Farmer said Bruce was not the only resident shark in the area, and apparently a larger shark closer to 6m also frequents the waters.

Needless to say, those thinking of dropping a line off the side of their tinnies today should probably think again.

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

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