This was so tense in the best way. The underwater stealth vibe is awesome, the art style looks beautiful and keeps everything feeling serious, and the sound design really sells it. The footsteps/heavy breathing had me second-guessing every move, and the tense musical cues did a great job warning me when the eel was nearby. Once I realized its attracted to the water-jet noises, everything clicked and the stealth started feeling way more readable.
I did make it to the end and found the mermaid...but yeah, "satisfying" in a horrible way since she's pinned down and dead lol. And that big open stretch right before her was absolutely terrifying to cross. Really cool concept, great atmosphere, and simple controls make you properly helpless without being annoying. Awesome work on your first game jam.