#Coast Guard opens fire on huge shark swimming toward crew

A US Coast Guard cutter crew’s refreshing dip in the Pacific turned into a “Jaws”-worthy adventure complete with a giant inflatable unicorn – but at least they didn’t need a bigger boat.

After completing their operations “a zillion miles from land” on Wednesday, the 40 men and women aboard the 416-foot-long USCGC Kimball decided to jump into the ocean for a much-needed break, according to the vessel’s Facebook page.

“We had not been off the ship for weeks, were at that point where every day feels like ‘Groundhog Day,’ and were looking for something to break up the monotony,” the Coasties’ account said. “Answer: Swim Call!”

With a rescue swimmer, an armed shark watch and a “fully vested and tested plan” in place to ensure safety, they jumped in the water with swim fins and other paraphernalia — including the inflatable unicorn, the second incident in recent days involving the legendary creature during a sea rescue.

“Everything was by the numbers. Everyone was having a great day. Everyone was smiling and having fun. It was perfect!” the riveting account continued.

“And then… Bridge personnel reported ‘Shark!’ over the radio,” it said.

“As if right out of a Hollywood movie, a 6-8 foot shark (no exaggeration) surfaced at the Rescue Door and was swimming toward 30-40 people in the water about 30 feet away,” the post read.

“Everyone on the Flight Deck had a bird’s eye view. A review of video shot by a crew member reveals it was likely a Long-Fin Mako or Pelagic Thresher Shark – not something to mess with!”

Maritime Enforcement Specialist 1st Class Samuel Cintron, the eagle-eyed shark watch, quickly locked on target under the orders of his animal-loving chief who yelled, “Shoot it!”

“While some crew went for the Jacob’s ladder on the Fantail, others went for the open stern notch at the ship’s stern, and a large group swam for the small boat,” according to the Facebook narrative.

“ME1 Cintron fired a well-aimed burst right at/on top of the shark to protect shipmates just feet away. It turned away for a few seconds then turned back.”

So Cintron opened fire again.

“ME1 fired bursts as needed to keep the shark from his shipmates with amazing accuracy. The shark would wave off with each burst but kept coming back toward our shipmates,” according to the post.

“It wasn’t the panic of the 4th of July scene from JAWS, but once everyone realized what was happening, they moved with a purpose! Everyone stayed focused and worked the problem,” it said.

“All hands are safe and accounted for. We even saved the inflatable unicorn!” the post said.

The only injury was a scraped knee suffered by one crew member.

“But where was it located you ask? On his knee….in the center of a tattoo. What tattoo you ask? An open set of shark’s teeth. Seriously, you can’t make this up!”

After the predatory scare, the relieved crew decided to blow off some steam by watching a couple of appropriate movies – “Jaws” and “Sharknado,” of course.

“For those asking about the shark, we don’t think the shark was injured. Our goal was to keep it away from shipmates, not harm it if possible,” they said.

“It later joined a few smaller buddies that showed up and they swam off together.”