Gentle Whale Shark Allows Divers to Remove the Commercial Fishing Line Wrapped Around Its Body

A beautiful whale shark swimming in the waters of Macana Maldives allowed human divers to get close enough to cut off the piece of commercial fishing line wrapped around its body and slowly strangle the gentle creature to death.

Simone Musumeci and Antonio Di Franca were taking some clients on a guided dive in the island of Fuvahmulah, Maldives, when they spotted something extraordinary. A huge whale shark was cruising the water around their boat with a thick rope tied around its body, between its head and its pectoral fins.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.