Diver Saves Shark From Horrible Death By Removing Fishing Net From Its Mouth

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A heroic diver has helped out a shark in peril after a fishing net got caught in its huge and intimidating mouth.

Not many of us would dare get so up, close and personal to a shark’s back fillings, however diving instructor Inaki Aizpun appears to be made of sterner stuff than many.

While out diving in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, Inaki spotted a grey nurse shark with a fishing net dangling worryingly from its mouth.

Showing complete fearlessness, the caring diving instructor resolved to help the creature – which is among the most endangered species in Australia – from a horrifying fate.

Having captured the extraordinary feat on camera, Inaki explained he had saved the shark from suffering a ‘terrible death’.

The video begins with stunning images of Byron Bay; the scenic cliffs and coastline a picture perfect scene of serenity. The camera then cuts to beneath the surface of the sea where a frantic struggle is taking place.

Inaki and his fellow divers catch sight of a beautiful grey nurse shark, yellow netting caught in its mighty jaws. In heart-stopping footage, courageous Inaki can be seen swimming after the shark; one arm outstretched precariously towards the net.

The distressed shark doesn’t make it easy, turning swiftly away from Inaki’s hand. However, Inaki remains persistent; following the shark and managing to get a grip on the net.

Pulling the net carefully to the front of the shark’s mouth, Inaki begins trying to wedge it free. The shark thrashes around in a panic, but Inaki appears unperturbed.

Eventually he is able to pull the bothersome net loose, giving a triumphant ‘okay’ sign to the camera.

Inaki believes the shark appeared to be grateful for this act of kindness, returning to him and making eye contact after being disentangled.

Speaking about the daring undersea rescue, Inaki said:

I was guiding a dive to some customers in Julian Rocks, Byron Bay when I saw a Grey Nurse Shark with a fishing net hanging out from its mouth.

I tried to take it out of his mouth and after a few tries, I was successful. It was a very dramatic and intense moment with a happy ending. Afterward, the shark returned and made some eye contact with me as a way to say thanks.

Many people have since taken to social media to applaud Inaki for his lifesaving kindness, compassion and ‘balls of steel’.

One person tweeted:

Definitely a brave diver #MarineDebris driftnets killing turtles, dolphins whales sharks endless. Curious how many marine animals are trapped in shark nets?

Another cheered:

Well done! Save our oceans from plastic pollution!! We need to send plastic eating and recycling robotics into the ocean gyres to clean up the plastic mess we’ve dumped into the oceans. If the oceans die, we all die!!

Well done Inaki! All thanks to you, this fascinating animal is free to swim another day.

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Julia Banim

Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.