Horror moment shark attacks ‘mermaid’ in aquarium as water tank turns red with blood

An aquarium ‘mermaid’ became the target of a vicious shark attack, which left her with a serious disability, medical bills, and a self-proclaimed unsatisfying court verdict

An aquarium show, starring a professional ‘mermaid’, ended in a nightmare after she was bitten by a ginormous shark. The large tank was horrifically left red with her blood, and the performer needed a whopping 100 stitches.

Terrified viewers watching outside the tank saw the swimmer dancing and moving her costume tail back-and-forth, before a huge shark charges at her, and nearly bites her arm off entirely.

Taking place in Jiangsu, China, the performer, Ms Li, is now filing a compensation lawsuit for the 2023 attack. The gory footage features Ms Li swimming within the aquarium tank as part of training, working toward a mermaid contest at the time, only for the shark to launch its sneak attack.

In an attempt to defend herself, the mermaid began to poke at the shark’s beady eyes and head until the animal finally let go – leaving just enough time for the victim to flee to the surface. A second clip showed the mermaid’s arm covered in blood. Ms Li claimed the shark had poor eyesight and either mistook her arm for fish food or was frightened by her presence in the tank.

After being hastily taken to hospital, Li endured an exhausting five-hour operation. The attack left a severe and deep wound that left her bone visibly exposed. The medics involved were able to retrieve a shark’s tooth, which was shockingly found during the surgery.

Needing a record 100 stitches, the mermaid performer was then diagnosed with a grade 10 disability as a tendon, radial artery, and radial vein were all severed in the shark attack. Though she made good recovery, she now has barely any feeling left in her hand.

Ms Li sued the aquarium after the two parties failed to reach an agreed amount for compensation. Following her complaint, the Binhu District People’s Court of Wuxi City ruled that the operator of the diving project was to bear 70 per cent of the responsibility, and Ms Li the remaining 30 per cent. Ruling that Ms Li had signed a waiver, was trained and licensed in diving, and that it was her failure to observe her surroundings in regards of her safety; the court also decreed the aquarium as guilty of failing to meet safety standards.

The Sipadan Company, which runs the aquarium, was also ordered to compensate the mermaid £14,342.49. Ms Li later said: “This accident could have been avoided. I just hope that the other party can bear all my medical expenses” and now plans to appeal.