Pathogenic organisms such as haemolytic streptococci (ibid.) from 

 the shark's mouth may constitute an additional serious complication. 



Current medical practices, both military and civilian, do not reflect 

 these findings. 



2) Psychological Hazard 



There is understandably a widespread apprehension of sharks and the 

 possibility of shark attack, despite the relatively low incidence of 

 attacks. Abundant evidence indicates that apprehension, even in the 

 absence of a shark sighting, has an adverse effect on performance, whether 

 in a survival situation or in the execution of an operational task. Appre- 

 hension lessens the individual's chances for survival or diminishes the 

 operator's ability to accomplish his mission. 



A message (272349Z Aug 74) from the Commander, Amphibious Forces 

 Pacific, to the Naval Scientific Advisory Program requesting test and 

 evaluation of a wet suit incorporating shark-bite resistant material 

 (KEVLAR ; see Physical Deterrents) was prefaced with the following statement: 



The shark hazard to Navy Divers has been a 

 continual threat over the years, both in the 

 sense of producing actual casualties and in 

 the psychological effect of degrading effect- 

 iveness of divers who must work in waters in 

 which sharks have recently made an attack. 



Official concern with possible hazards is also reflected in the basic 

 UDT/SEAL training lesson plan having to do with dangerous marine life. This 

 states: "The appearance of a shark as large as the diver or two or more 

 sharks in the diving area should be sufficient reason for the diver to 

 terminate his diving activities and leave the water." 



Examples of operator apprehension and official concern leading to 

 mission interference can be cited: 



In a night-recovery training exercise prior to 

 the splashdown of Apollo 15, the practice capsule 

 was in the water and the UDT personnel were in the 

 process of attaching the flotation collar. Three 

 helicopters containing the primary recovery team 

 and two reserve teams were overhead shining spot- 

 lights on the capsule.* At this point, the officer- 

 in-charge, also overhead in a backup helicopter, 

 noticed that at least six sharks were circling the 

 capsule. The training operation was immediately 

 aborted. With realization of the disastrous 

 implications the shark hazard presented, recovery 

 personnel were subsequently equipped with CO darts 

 (see Physical Deterrents) . 



*ln operational or survivor recovery operations utilizing helicopters, there 

 exists the possibility, still unconfirmed, that the beat of the rotors on 

 the water sends out low frequency vibrations similar to those that are 

 known to attract sharks (see page 9 ) . 



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