That Time a Great White Shark Broke Into a Shark Cage

In a heart-stopping encounter captured on camera in August 2016 by diver Craig Capehart, a great white shark is seen breaking into a shark cage. Seeing as Craig was shark cage diving with the purpose of filming these apex predators, everything was recorded.

Miraculously, the diver emerges unscathed. This shark wasn’t looking for a snack but was probably just curious – reminding us that they’re not as bloodthirsty as they’re portrayed to be.

How Safe Is Shark Cage Diving?

Shark cage diving is a popular activity for thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. While incidents like the one captured in the video are rare, this raw footage does remind us of the inherent risks involved. As with any wildlife experience, you must always consider the very unpredictable nature of wildlife -meaning there’s always a risk, although small.

However, with proper measures and respect for the animals, shark cage diving remains a relatively safe experience.

The Impressive Size of Great White Sharks

Great white sharks are among the largest predatory fish on Earth. Adult great whites can reach lengths of over 20 feet and weigh up to 5,000 pounds.

Their size is not just for show; it plays a critical role in their effectiveness as top predators, enabling them to take down large prey such as seals, dolphins, and even smaller sharks.

Fish with a Big Smile: Lethal Teeth

Great white sharks possess a formidable set of teeth, designed for slicing through flesh and bone. An adult shark can have up to 300 serrated, triangular teeth arranged in several rows. These teeth, combined with their powerful jaws, allow great whites to deliver a devastating bite that is essential for their survival in the wild.

A Never Ending Regeneration of Teeth

Other than a lethal bite, Great White sharks possess a remarkable ability for dental regeneration. Unlike humans, these sharks continuously grow and replace their teeth throughout their lives.

An individual great white can go through thousands of teeth in a lifetime. This regeneration ensures that they always have sharp, robust teeth necessary for effective hunting.

Without this feature, they probably wouldn’t be the intimidating apex predators that they are.

How Aggressive Are Great White Sharks Towards Humans?

Despite their fearsome reputation, great white sharks do not actively hunt humans. Most attacks on humans are believed to be cases of mistaken identity, with sharks confusing humans for their usual prey.

That being said, an encounter is never risk-free, and their territorial nature can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.

The Role of Sharks in Marine Ecosystems

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of various marine species, ensuring a balanced food web. The presence of sharks also indicates a healthy ocean, making their conservation crucial for overall marine biodiversity.

Conclusion

This nerve-wracking incident teaches us that while shark cage diving offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for viewers, wildlife is always unpredictable.

This article by Josie Messeter was first published by Animals Around The Globe on 18 June 2025. 

Wildlife in catastrophic decline

The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.

Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.

Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.

Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.

Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.

Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.

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