A young man is earning accolades for his quick action and calm composure while saving a great white shark off the coast of California.
Footage of a reported fisherman “stripping down to his underwear” to rescue a juvenile shark that was unintentionally caught on a fishing line is being celebrated as a needed moment of bravery and compassion.
Fox News picked up the video and reported that the “dramatic” scene was from Hermosa Beach.
CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Dramatic footage captures the moment a fisherman jumps into action to rescue a great white shark caught on a fishing line in Hermosa Beach, California.
The man cut the line and guided the shark into deeper water, where it eventually swam away. pic.twitter.com/BKUJZNpowD
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 3, 2026
Onlookers at the rescue site cheered as the shark swam back into the ocean, and most X users responded the same way, but not all.
Great reminder that not every hooked shark needs to die. Quick thinking and bravery from this fisherman. More people need this mindset — release what you don’t intend to keep.
— Refentse Lehasa (@Gene_February) April 3, 2026
“Absolute legend! Risking it with a great white just to do the right thing. Respect
— Refentse Lehasa (@Gene_February) April 3, 2026
Absolute legend! This 20 year old fisherman didn’t just free a juvenile great white he stripped down, waded in with scissors, and personally guided it back to safety like it was his pet. Real respect for the ocean and zero hesitation. Heroes don’t always wear capes… sometimes…
— Naija2capeblog (@naija2capeblog) April 3, 2026
People are true fishermen understand the importance of the ocean ecosystem. Even though we may not like sharks the are essential to a healthy biosphere. Kudos to him
— Nox (@Noxismeta) April 3, 2026
Guy just casually saving a great white while most people panic at a fish is elite composure energy
— Mr Anonymous (@zxce6718) April 3, 2026
Not everyone was as excited about the rescue and offered some tongue-in-cheek criticism:
Y’all don’t think it’s coming back to thank him nah..
If it sees him next day or he was injured while he’s blood draw the shark over,
It gonna eat his a$$ successfully, coz this ain’t Hollywood movie tho.
— $warov (@Swarovskilinbey) April 3, 2026
That shark would never save him if he were to be stuck somewhere in the ocean. We’ve got to start looking out for our own people 😏
— Nkul’leko Mthembu🇿🇦 (@leko_mvelase) April 3, 2026
Shark snark humor aside, the video was a welcome reminder that “great and kind” people still exist:
Great people and kind people still exists out there
Kudos to that brave man— @DreamBT (@DKID_7) April 3, 2026
Kudos!
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