News
Shark attack survivor honoured for protecting Great Whites
Shark attack survivor Rodney Fox will be honoured today for his years of service protecting the very animal that nearly took his life at Aldinga Beach more than 50 years ago.
Managing Director of Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions and son of Rodney, Andrew Fox, said that today’s launch and renaming ceremony of their first ever boat will have a surprise twist that will see his Dad’s name immortalised in recognition of his pioneering conservation work with these beautiful animals.
“Since my Dad started the company more than 50 years ago, we have always leased boats to educate and safely bring humans closer to sharks,” he said.
“To own our first boat is a massive and significant milestone for our family and business – it was fitting to name the boat after him!
“The twist is that Dad thinks the boat is called King Neptune and will find out in front of 100 people today that our first boat is going to be called the Rodney Fox – it’s going to be a genuine surprise and I can’t wait to see him honoured in this way,” he said.
Rodney Fox, now 79 years old, has had a remarkable career – born from being attacked by a great white when he was just 23 years old. This life changing event ignited passion and determination to overcome his fears about the water by understanding this fearsome, but magnificent animal. A few years later he pioneered the first ever cage dive, which sparked, what is now, a thriving new tourism industry around the world.
“Dad changed the mindset in an era when ‘the only good shark was a dead shark’ to spearheading conservation and protection of these animals in the 80s, which is still in place today,” Andrew said.
Rodney was also one of the first people in the world to capture video of sharks underwater, leading to a film career contributing to more than 70 films, including the blockbuster JAWS.
“He has single-handedly shifted public perception of sharks,” Andrew said.
Andrew Fox, recognised as a leading authority on Great Whites, took over the reins of the Rodney Fox Shark Expedition business more than 20 years ago. He set up the Fox Shark Research Foundation in the early 2000’s and today consults on environmental issues, shark attacks and shark culling.
The Rodney Fox will be berthed in Port Lincoln, but today’s launch will be held at Port Adelaide with special guest The Honourable Minister Pisoni, on behalf of The Premier and his Government who along with special VIP guests will have the opportunity to view the boat throughout the afternoon.
“The Rodney Fox marks a new era of our business,” Andrew said.
“We will be able to host up to 20 guests with 10 passenger cabins for multiple day tours serviced by 7 crew. This is the only vessel in SA where you can live and dive for the ultimate experience, which really ups the ante,” he said.
Future adventurers can book between 2-10 nights and explore the beautiful Neptune Islands Marine Park and expect luxury accommodation, delicious food, spectacular scenery and of course cage diving which everyone can do, plus if you have an Open Water SCUBA diving qualification you can experience Great Whites 18m deep.
The launch of the new boat also coincides with the recent restructure of the business with the announcement of new business partner and local business man, Mark Tozer. Mark shares Andrew’s passion for sharks. He is also the founder of Dive for Cancer, an international event where divers raise funds for Cancer Research.
For more information about how you can plan your own experience on the Rodney Fox visit www.rodneyfox.com.au or call 08 8363 1788.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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