Fisherman Charged for Illegally Wrestling Protected Sharks Online

WHO:

NY Post - The fisherman involved is identified as Henry Gibbs.

NY Post - A fisherman is accused of illegally catching sharks.

Fox News - A wildlife officer confronted the fisherman during the investigation.

WHAT:

NY Post - Gibbs shared a message after a shark attack, stating, “Feeling incredibly lucky to still have my leg, full use of my foot and to be on the mend.”

NY Post - The fisherman made bizarre videos "wrestling" the sharks after pulling them out of the water and shared them on social media.

Fox News - The fisherman is accused of illegally "wrestling" protected sharks.

WHERE:

NY Post - The shark attack incident occurred in Fiji.

Fox News - The incidents occurred in Puget Sound, Washington state.

WHEN:

Fox News - The investigation lasted several months before the confrontation occurred.

WHY:

Fox News - The investigation was initiated due to allegations of illegal shark catches.

HOW:

NY Post - Gibbs filmed himself being attacked by the shark and later posted the video online.

Fox News - The wildlife officer used body camera video to document the confrontation with the fisherman after months of surveillance.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 14:55 UTC)

A fisherman named Henry Gibbs has shared a message following a shark attack in Fiji, expressing that he feels incredibly lucky to still have his leg and full use of his foot as he recovers. Gibbs filmed the harrowing incident and later posted the video online, giving viewers a firsthand look at the attack. His resilience and positive outlook during this challenging time have captured the attention of many.

--

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 08:10 UTC)

A fisherman in Puget Sound, Washington, is facing accusations of illegally catching and "wrestling" protected sharks, a bizarre act he documented in videos shared on social media. The investigation into his activities lasted several months and culminated in a confrontation with a wildlife officer, who used body camera footage to capture the encounter. Allegations of illegal shark catches prompted the initial inquiry, leading to this significant development in wildlife protection efforts.