Shark-diving trips condemned as irresponsible are under fire after a holidaymaker was killed on an outing described as being “like taking people to the zoo and putting them over the wall of the lion pit”.

Marcus Groh, an Austrian lawyer, bled to death from bite wounds after taking part in an open-water encounter, in which a mixture of blood and fish parts, known as chum, was poured overboard to attract the predators to the divers.

The 49-year-old was on a trip with Florida-based Scuba Adventures, which circumvents a 2003 state ban on shark dives by sailing 50 miles offshore to Bahamian waters. The company’s website promises “the very best close-up encounters”, stating “we will be chumming the water”, but claiming that “crew members will be in the water at all times to ensure diver safety”.

Groh’s death was an accident waiting to happen, according to Neil Watson, of the Bahamas Diving Association. In an open letter posted last year, Watson urged companies to “cease and desist conducting open-water, noncage shark-diving experiences with known species of potentially dangerous sharks”.

“We strongly advise tourists not to take one of these trips,” said Jennifer Johnson, of the US Coast Guard. Scuba Adventures was unavailable for comment.

Times recommends

• Croatia: the flashing blades of Korkcula
• The best stopovers en route to Australia
• Chernobyl offers a holiday in hell