I have been surrounded by dozens of barracuda at a time when diving and, although creepy at first, you get used to it especially when you realize they won't attack.
Sounds like a ‘barracuda bites man’ story.
They always just seemed to be curious but I have to agree 4 or 5 of them just hovering near by in a staring contest with you is creepy.
Ooooo, Barracuda!
I’ve been around barracuda many times also, and it seems they like to follow a diver for a time then drift away. Makes me think that they are territorial and are just “escorting” you through their turf.
They usually don’t bother you. Don’t wear flashy jewelry while diving as they will be attracted to it.
Which Wild Animal is Statistically Most Likely to Attack You?
https://www.theinertia.com/mountain/which-wild-animal-is-statistically-most-likely-to-attack-you/
“How many times have I told you, ‘don’t feed the bears, err, barracudas’”?!!!!
I was snorkeling there once — first time I ever snorkeled. Peering into a patch of seaweed on a buoy anchor, looking for the quaint little sea creatures, I found my face inches from a gaping mouth big enough to fit my head and shoulders. I could feel the suction as it opened and closed. I heard gurgling scream noises reminiscent of the “Jaws” movie; they were mine. But wait. How could a face this big be on a fish in such a small patch of seaweed? I backed off, and circle the seaweed; sure enough, this fish had no body — it was just a big mouth with fins and a tail. “Goliath Grouper” they told me. It’s lucky I wasn’t hungry.
Just be grateful it wasn’t a moose!
Went snorkeling there on my honeymoon years ago. Saw a big barracuda and was scared enough to come out of the water. I was told they ignore snorkelers, but was a novice and went back to the boat. BaBa, RaRa, CuCu, Da Da!
As long as you aren’t wearing some flashy jewelry that makes you look like a fishing lure they are pretty docile.
Could be the ‘Cuda with poor eyesight who sees the flash of skin on a kicking leg as a struggling baitfish, too. Instinctive feeding behavior.
When we lived in South Louisiana we’d often go fishing near the offshore oil/gas platforms. I’ve lost many a nice fish to barracuda.
Probably not a lawyer, professional courtesy and all that.