Anderson Cooper's favorite 60 Minutes stories | Full Episodes

Shark Man: Diving with Great White Sharks00:11

Anderson Cooper recounts one of his favorite 60 Minutes pieces involving Mike Rutson, known as the Shark Man in South Africa. Cooper got scuba certified specifically for this story and had never dived before encountering great white sharks. Rutson advised him not to breathe when sharks were close because they dislike scuba air bubbles, though Cooper found it nearly impossible to hold his breath as his heart raced. A 15-foot great white swam directly over him, causing the shark to become nervous and extend its jaws when Cooper inadvertently released air bubbles.

Understanding Great White Sharks01:31

The segment emphasizes that no animal is feared more or understood less than the great white shark, largely because they are difficult to approach. Mike Rutson has dedicated his life to getting closer to great whites than anyone else. He believes these predators are smart and curious rather than mindless killing machines or man-eaters. Rutson searches for calm, curious sharks he calls players—those relaxed with good personalities that are willing to interact. He notes that great whites have distinct personalities and can be identified by their slow, deliberate movements while checking out their surroundings.

Diving Without Protection03:31

Rutson and his cameraman dive into chum-filled water without cages, using only their cameras as protection. He discovered that great whites avoid the feel of metal. The sharks are highly inquisitive, compared to little kids in a toy store told not to touch, though they sometimes bite out of curiosity rather than aggression. Rutson describes a mental game between diver and shark, emphasizing the ultimate trust required. He was originally a fisherman who began working with sharks 20 years ago along the coast near Cape Town, an area with the world's highest concentration of great whites due to rich nutrients attracting whales, fish, and approximately 60,000 seals.