A man named Edelsy unexpectedly found himself the center of attention after a live-streamed incident at a beach became one of TikTok's most talked-about videos of the week. While seeking the blessing of Yemayá from the sea, something struck him from beneath the water, capturing the interest of thousands.
The video, shared on June 18 by the user @edelsy81, has amassed over 321,600 views, nearly 10,000 likes, and over 4,500 shares, demonstrating its immediate impact among Cuban users on the platform.
Unexpected Encounter in the Water
While standing in the ocean, Edelsy was in the midst of praying to Yemayá—an orisha associated with the sea in Cuban Santería—when suddenly, something hit him hard beneath the water, not once but twice.
His reaction was swift and unfiltered: he dashed toward the shore, shouting and cursing, convinced he had encountered a shark. "Oh, damn, what a scare! It didn't bite me! It slipped by with both feet! And hit me again!" he exclaimed, visibly shaken in front of his phone's camera, which continued broadcasting live.
A Frantic Escape
Once safely on the shore, Edelsy was in disbelief over the ordeal: "Never have I been this frightened," he admitted, adding with resignation, "I shouldn't even swim at bridges, I don't deserve to bathe at the beach."
The exact nature of the creature that startled him remains unknown. Although Edelsy insisted it was a shark, nothing confirmed this. He described it as "something big" that collided with his feet. In southern Florida, the presence of tarpon—a large, silver fish often mistaken for sharks due to its size and movement—is quite common.
Humor and Tradition in the Aftermath
The religious aspect of the video didn't go unnoticed by viewers. Cuban users humorously remarked that it was "the first time they'd seen such a quick response from Yemayá" to a prayer, turning the scare into a jest about the orisha's effectiveness.
Worshipping Yemayá directly in the sea is a deeply rooted tradition among Cubans, both on the island and abroad. Devotees often enter the water to pray and seek protection, offering white flowers, shells, candles, and blue and white fabrics.
This incident isn't unique to the summer of 2026. Earlier in June, another viral video captured bathers in Miami Beach in a panic over what appeared to be a shark swimming nearby, creating a similarly chaotic scene.
Experts note that increased marine animal activity during warm months is entirely normal and rarely poses a real threat to swimmers, though such reassurance is hard to recall when something large brushes against you in open water.
Edelsy concluded his broadcast with a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated his experience: "In the end, nothing happened, it was just something big that hit me..."
FAQs About Praying to Yemayá and Marine Life in Florida
What is the significance of Yemayá in Cuban Santería?
Yemayá is a revered orisha in Cuban Santería, associated with the sea, motherhood, and protection. Devotees often perform rituals and offer prayers at the ocean to seek her guidance and blessings.
Are shark encounters common in Florida waters?
While sharks are present in Florida waters, encounters are rare, and attacks on humans are even rarer. The presence of large fish like tarpon can often be mistaken for sharks due to their size.