An unbelievable photo of a man riding a 10-foot shark has gone viral after the colossal fish was caught in a river in Australia.
Stephen Pateman rides the enormous shark
An unbelievable story has gone viral of how a fisherman caught and rode an enormous shark before releasing it back into a River. The unbelievable pictures of Stephen Pateman straddling a bull shark he caught in the Clarence River system in Australia emerged online yesterday evening (January 12), reports Dailystar.
According to Stephen, he battled with the beast for two hours before taming it and after an impromptu photo-shoot, he released the beast back into the water. But since the pictures were published online, residents who live along the river have expressed concerns over its release and fear the shark may attack swimmers and sailors.
However, an animal rights group have expressed shock at the cruelty displayed by Stephen towards an animal. Leading animal rights charity PETA has called for Australian authorities to investigate the incident.
Mimi Bekhechi, Director PETA UK told Daily Star Online: “This 'man' shows an appalling and callous disregard for suffering by riding on the back of this shark while pulling up on the huge hook ensnared through his sensitive mouth.
“Because sharks don't cry out in pain, they often get a raw deal, but they treasure their lives and suffer just as all animals do.
“Whether bull or bull shark, all animals deserve, at the very least, not to be terrified and tortured for the sick amusement of depraved individuals, and we urge Australian authorities to take these acts of cruelty seriously.”
Pateman posing with a huge shark
Bull sharks are known for their aggressive nature and are often found in rivers and estuaries as they like the warm shallow water. They grow to an average of eight foot 8ft — although male bull sharks are slightly smaller.