Giant Manta Ray Tangled In Fishing Line Appears To 'Ask For Help' From Divers

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.thedodo.com/giant-manta-ray-tangled-in-fis-716792720.html

By Stephen Messenger September 12, 2014

Divers exploring the waters off Costa Rica recently had an extraordinary encounter with one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures, who, in the throes of a life-threatening predicament, approached them as if to ask for their help.

The group was partway through their dive when an enormous manta ray appeared in the distance, swimming in their direction. As the animal got closer, the divers noticed that she was entangled in rope from a fishing net which was cutting into her flesh.



Amazingly, instead of diverting course, the manta ray continued toward them, close enough for diver Brian Thompson to unwrap the thick line from her body.

“It was the first time I saw a manta ray. There was a very profound interaction between her and the diver,” Thomaz Monteiro, who was present for the surreal scene, told news outlet G1 Globo.

A little more at link.

Published on Sep 11, 2014

*All rights reserved / Todos os direitos reservados. [e-mail]*
We (Thomaz Monteiro and Flavia Passaglia from Brazil) were diving at Bat Islands, Costa Rica, when this peaceful manta came. Brian Thompson (from Canada) gently cut the net fishing and now the manta can live with no pain. Important: We picked up the line. It's our trophy now! Brian, the diver who cut the line, gave a little piece for all divers there!. Enjoy the video, Thomaz Monteiro.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/OceanoVS

Dive Operation: Rocket Frog Divers (http://facebook.com/RocketFrogDivers)
Divers: Thomaz Monteiro, Flavia Passaglia and Brian Thompson
Divemasters: Frankilin Alfaro and Yaser Mendoza
Camera: Thomaz Monteiro
Date: September 8, 2014

[PeoViejo]

1. Diving for Spiny Lobster in the Florida Keys

The Goliath Groupers would be right behind us to catch the ones that got away. They were like big puppies and would roll on their sides to be scratched along the Lateral Line.

[joshdawg]

2. Kudos to the divers.

Great job!

[dotymed]

3. It is pathetic

that our oceans have become junkyards.
That was one big manta ray. They are (the ones that I have encountered) usually very amenable creatures. Many are skittish. I have "rode" one before, (in the Bahamas) it was a great experience. I was amazed when Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by one. I had heard of people being stung (very nasty) by accidentally stepping on one in the bay.
That was a great rescue.

[markpkessinger]

6. Irwin was harassing an animal that didn't wish to be bothered n/t

[BrotherIvan]

8. As was his way

[markpkessinger]

11. Indeed. n/t

[oldandhappy]

4. wow Thank you, lots.

Appreciate the post.

[Scuba]

5. Great job divers!!!

Thanks for the post Steve!!

[BrotherIvan]

9. +1

Nice video too.

[nilram]

7. wow wow wow wow

Watch the youtube vid at the link.

[DeSwiss]

10. K&R