[imagesource: US Coast Guard Cutter Kimball / Facebook]

Last week, more than 30 Coast Guard Cutter Kimball crewmembers were enjoying a dip in the water, following the completion of the day’s operations, when things took a sudden turn.

Yes, one of them was swimming with an inflatable unicorn, but that’s not the frightening bit.

As they frolicked in the water (the presence of said unicorn suggests frolicking occurred), they encountered an “estimated six- to eight-foot-long predator”, which those present say was either a Long-Fin Mako or Pelagic Thresher.

In order to keep the shark from getting too close, a crew member on board began firing at the shark, reports KTVU:

The shark…didn’t appear to be injured, and the vessel said shots were fired to keep it away from shipmates.

“It later joined a few smaller buddies that showed up and they swam off together,” the Coast Guard said…

Image: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball / Facebook

The crew had taken preparations for such an encounter, which included a small boat with extra crew stationed about 50 yards off the ship, and armed personnel maintaining a shark watch. It was described as a “fully vetted and tested plan.”

Yeah, I’m not sure saying the shark “didn’t appear to be injured” is sufficient.

This really does look like something that could have been a scene in Team America.

Here’s the footage:

Whilst the video ends with the unicorn left to fend for itself, the US Coast Guard later confirmed that the mythical creature was also hauled from the water.

I’m really not that fond of seeing live ammo unloaded on an animal that is simply going about its daily life, but the crew were amused:

The only injury was a scraped knee suffered by one crew member as he climbed aboard, which was fittingly located in between the jaws of his shark tattoo.

After the encounter, the crew’s top requests for movies that night were “Jaws” followed by “Sharknado.”

Probably should have stopped at Jaws.

Meanwhile, in Australia, one bloke punched a great white shark in the face, repeatedly, to pry his partner’s leg from its mouth. Seriously, read this interview for your daily slice of heroism.

Better still, the couple realise this was simply a shark going about its business, and have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, adding that sharks are an integral part of the ecosystem.

Australia one, America zero.

[source:ktvu]