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Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives

Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives
Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives. Image by Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives via YouTube.

Swiss tourists captured an amazing event on video at a dive site near Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. This is where they saw a Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray being freed from ghost nets by their dive instructor and the resort’s General Manager during a dive.

The Manta-Ray’s Call for Help

Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives
Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives. Image by Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives via YouTube.

The Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray, which was 4 meters in size, approached the divers at their safety stop at 15 meters, it looked like it was asking for their help.

General Manager’s Emotional Experience

Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives
Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives. Image by Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives via YouTube.

Mark Eletr, the General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, a seasoned diver, shared that the experience moved him to tears when they resurfaced! He described it as the most extraordinary dive of his life.

Rescue Diver’s Account

Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives
Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives. Image by Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives via YouTube.

Mark, a Rescue Diver with over 300 dives, said how the majestic creature came to them for help with netting tangled around its head.

Initial Attempt to Free the Manta-Ray

manta ray
Image via deposit Photos.

As the manta-ray approached them it became clear it needed assistance. So, Mark attempted to pull the net free but was unsuccessful.

The Manta-Ray’s Trust

manta ray in madeira
Image via Deposit Photos.

Despite its strength, the manta-ray chose to stay with the group of divers, showing an amazing level of trust and cooperation.

Dive Instructor’s Brave Act

Manta-Ray
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

The dive instructor, Tomoyo, who is petite, seized the moment to get close and cut the net.

Capturing the Moment on Video

Manta-Ray
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

The rescue was recorded on video as Tomoyo cut the manta-ray free. As this all took place, the rest of the group kept a safe distance.

Witnesses to the Rescue

Manta-Ray
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Three guests on the dive witnessed the rescue, making sure it will be a story retold for years.

The Majestic Creature’s Approach

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

The manta-ray’s approach and interaction were unlike anything the divers had ever experienced. It showed the sometimes unexpected bond between humans and marine life.

The Net’s Trailing Hazard

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

The trailing net was visibly wrapped around the manta-ray’s head. This was obviously a danger to the creature.

The Risky Situation

Manta-Ray
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Mark noted the risk involved, as the manta-ray could have pulled him down into deeper waters but instead stayed with the divers.

A Display of Enormous Power

Manta-Ray
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Despite its power, the manta-ray’s decision to stay near the divers showed them its trust in them to help.

Tomoyo’s Heroic Action

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Tomoyo’s decisive action in cutting the net was courageous and showed her high skill as a dive instructor.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Manta Ray (Manta Birostris) Approaching Closely, with Divers in the Background. Komodo, Indonesia. Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

The interaction was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved. It left a lasting impression on the everyone that was there to witness it.

Manta Ray Physical Features: Q&A

How Large Can Manta Rays Grow?

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Giant Oceanic Manta Rays can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) in wingspan, making them the largest species of ray.

What is the Typical Weight of a Manta Ray?

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

A typical Giant Oceanic Manta Ray can weigh up to 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds).

What is Unique About Manta Ray’s Skin?

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Manta Rays have a unique, smooth skin texture with a mucus layer that protects them from parasites and infections.

How Do Manta Rays Breathe?

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.
Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Manta Rays breathe through five pairs of gills located on the underside of their bodies, which filter oxygen from the water.

What is the Coloration of Manta Rays?

Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.

Manta Rays typically have a dark back with a distinctive pattern of white markings, and a white underside, which helps with camouflage in the ocean.

Wrap Up

YouTube video
Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives. Credit: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives – Source: YouTube

Overall, the video of the Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray being freed from ghost nets by dedicated divers near Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and marine life. This extraordinary event, captured on video, will be remembered and retold for years, showcasing the bravery and compassion of those who work to protect our oceans.

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