30-11-2023 (JOHANNESBURG) In a heart-stopping incident at Randburg Shopping Mall in South Africa on November 25, a mermaid performer found herself in a perilous situation when her tail became entangled in coral during an aquarium act. The incident, documented in a two-minute video shared on TikTok, has since gone viral, amassing over three million views.
The video, originally posted by Storyful Viral, unfolds as the mermaid, identified as Ms Gabriela Green-Thompson Kay, commences her performance with waves and blown kisses to the audience. However, the routine takes an unexpected turn when her tail becomes ensnared in coral. Struggling to free herself, Ms Kay manages to disentangle from the coral, abandoning her costume as she urgently swims to the surface, prompting audible gasps from concerned onlookers.
Ms Kay, also known by her TikTok handle nokukhanya.the_mermaid, took to the platform to share her perspective on the incident in a 30-second video. She revealed that she was running out of breath and, in a critical moment, opted to use her hands to swiftly release her legs from the costume. Assuring her followers of her safety, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in such performances.
The video shared by Ms Kay has garnered 4.2 million views and 142,000 likes, showcasing the widespread attention drawn to the incident. Mermaiding, once a niche subculture, is gaining popularity globally, with conventions, festivals, and competitions dedicated to the art.
@storyful_viral A South African professional mermaid had a brief scare when her tail caught on the reef at the bottom of the tank. #omg #scary #mermaid #professionalmermaid #aquariummermaid #aquarium #closecall #mermaidtail #southafrica #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Part of Your World – From “The Little Mermaid” – Halle
