Setting Out on a Mission
On December 30, 2024, the Knot Lucky crew embarked on the second day of their white shark tagging season, venturing far offshore with a mission that transcended marine research. This expedition was dedicated to honoring the memory of Corporal Steven I. Candelo, a fallen soldier whose spirit continues to inspire those who knew him.
Steven and I served together in the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. His smile had the power to brighten the darkest moods, and his presence exuded a positive energy that was infectious. Beneath that cheerful exterior lay a quiet confidence; despite his modest stature, Steven possessed a tenacity and grit that surpassed many. He was a warrior in every sense, with a fire that burned intensely within him.
On that December day, after only a few short hours at sea, our bait was taken. The shark we hooked tested our crew’s abilities, making rapid and unpredictable turns that kept us on high alert. Complicating matters, a nearby charter boat had anchored within our chum slick, closer than safety would typically allow. As the shark veered toward the anchored vessel, I knew a quick decision was imperative. Tightening the drag further, I mustered all my strength to guide the shark back toward our boat. Eric grabbed the leader, and I swiftly deployed the tag. We then rejoiced at another successful release.
Honoring a Fallen Brother: Steven Candelo Lives On
Just as Steven’s fighting spirit is forever ingrained in my memory and soul, so too will this white shark now bear his name, roaming the ocean’s depths as a living tribute to a true hero.
Legacy Beneath the Waves: Tribute in the Deep
For Jimmy, tagging this shark was more than science—it was closure, it was tribute, and it was a way to ensure that Steven Candelo’s legacy lives on, not just in the memories of his Ranger brothers but also in the deep blue waters where this apex predator now roams.
The ocean has a way of connecting souls across time and space, and that day, Captain Jimmy Armel felt it deeply. Through the partnership with Star brite and the unyielding spirit of adventure, Eric Hario the shark now carries a legacy across the vast expanse of the sea.
Heroes of the Sea: Shadows and Sacrifice
This adventure wasn’t just about tagging a shark; it was about honoring sacrifice, finding strength in adversity, and sharing a story that transcends generations. As the boat turned back toward the dock, the horizon ablaze with the setting sun, one thing was certain: heroes live on in many forms, sometimes even as a shadow beneath the waves.