The Revillagigedos Archipelago, also known as "Socorro," is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. These wild, remote islands are known for they're great animal encounters, just like the astonishing one you're about to see.
In the video below, courtesy of the Smithsonian Channel and "Secrets of Shark Island," a very brave diver stumbles across a staggeringly large whale shark. The diver immediately notices a huge commercial fishing line tightly wrapped around the whale shark's body like a noose, slowly slicing into its body for what could have been years. Instead of swimming away from the mammoth-sized beast, the diver decides to swim right up to his back and cut him free. But perhaps the most incredible part about this is the whale shark's reaction to his savior. "Sensing the diver is there to help, the goliath lies still while the rope is cut," the narrator says. Using a large pocket knife, the diver is able to remove a rope that has tortured this "gentle giant" in just 30 seconds.
Whale sharks are the largest known fish. They typically swim close to the surface and feed mostly on plankton. Thankfully, the zero tolerance policy on fishing helps maintain Socorro's underwater life.
This footage is so beautiful. As the enormous whale shark swims away peacefully, I couldn't help but feel it restored my faith in humanity. Please SHARE this amazing video with your friends on Facebook!
