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Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
23rd March 2006
As we were preparing for a two week expedition in the islands and
reefs of Milne Bay, our adventures began before we had even left
Alotau. A visitor came to the ship – a ‘baby’
whale shark, 12 foot long and extremely curious. He (small claspers
on his underside) stayed with us for an hour and a half, swimming
from starboard to portside, from bow to stern and making contact
with every single one of us. We all had a chance to swim with him
and to take photographs and video from every angle imaginable. Eventually,
we attracted the attention of a small dive skiff that came over
to inspect what we were inspecting and two tourists jumped in beside
us! It was an incredible encounter lasting through lunchtime.
The following day, just as we were about to raise anchor, he
returned. We have named the whale shark Kamawala – the name
of the god of Milne Bay fishermen who are a little intimidated
by whale sharks. Japanese fishermen also worship the whale shark
and consider it a good omen when they see one on their travels.
It was significant that he should be gliding so free and easily
within spitting distance of the ‘shark fin buying’
signs in town where his large fins would be worth a great deal
of money.
       
   
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