28/08/2025
Two years ago, off the coast of southern Australia, fisherman Arnold Pointer made a decision that would forever change his relationship with the sea.
While hauling in his nets, he discovered a female great white shark tangled and on the brink of death. Rather than leave her to her fate, Arnold carefully cut her free, saving her life!
That single act of compassion sparked a remarkable and unexpected bond. Since that day, the 17-foot shark—whom Arnold affectionately named “Cindy”—has shadowed his boat on nearly every outing, swimming alongside him like a faithful companion.
Though it sounds like the stuff of fiction, Arnold insists the bond is real. Because great whites are a protected species in Australia, there’s no legal way to deter her even if he wanted to—but Arnold doesn’t.
Over time, a routine has emerged between the two. Cindy follows his route up and down the coast, often waiting near his boat when he stops to work. It’s not just proximity; it’s behavior.
Arnold has come to recognize Cindy’s gentle approach and unthreatening demeanor—something few would ever associate with a great white shark.
Arnold describes their connection with genuine warmth. “When I stop the boat, she swims up to me, turns on her side, and lets me pet her. She grunts, squints, and flaps her fins like she’s happy!”
For a man whose livelihood depends on the rhythms of the ocean, Cindy’s presence has become a strange comfort.
Their friendship challenges assumptions about one of the ocean’s most feared predators, reminding us that even the wildest creatures can respond to kindness. In the vast, untamed blue, a fisherman and a shark have found something rare: trust!
