Visitors at New Orleans' Aquarium of the Americas received the shock of their lives when a catwalk over a shark tank collapsed, sending ten people into the predator-infested waters. The catwalk, intended for use by employees, was open for a special viewing by Aquarium members on Wednesday night, Aug. 7th.

The catwalk buckled in the center, spilling the occupants into the water. The sharks circled below, but kept clear of the victims, as they thrashed in the 20 ft. deep tank for as long as fifteen minutes, the steep sides hampering easy rescue by horrified onlookers.

Everyone was eventually plucked out or scrambled to safety. Park officials said the guests were in little if any danger, and are investigating the incident. The attraction continued normal operations the next day. [08/11/2002]

November 26, 2009