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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Moment family of dolphins protect deep-sea divers from huge shark

A family of dolphins appeared to protect two deep-sea divers as a shark moved ominously towards them.

A video of the incredible underwater encounter has gone viral after the explorers' close encounter earlier this month.

Kayleigh Grant, from Hawaii, who filmed the video, began diving at the age of 22, having spent her childhood snorkelling.

She now swims with stingrays and fifty-foot whales in a bid to save the ocean - and captured the moment when dolphins came to keep her safe.

The 32-year-old uploaded the footage to her TikTok account and told her followers what happened when the large Oceanic whitetip shark approached.

"We were swimming with a friendly rough toothed dolphin when suddenly a shark appeared," she wrote over the video.

The divers were exploring the ocean but concerns soon started (@mermaid.kayleigh/TikTok)
A shark was spotted - and it was getting closer (@mermaid.kayleigh/TikTok)

"The shark came in close to investigate. This shark was very gentle but the dolphin was concerned for us.

"The dolphin seemed to want to protect us from the shark by circling and vocalizing."

The footage - which have been viewed over 2 million times - shows the dolphin swimming around the duo at speed.

She added: "The dolphin would herd us together in a ball for safety! What a beautiful soul. I wish we all cared as much a this sweet dolphin."

The large Oceanic whitetip shark was distracted by the dolphins (@mermaid.kayleigh/TikTok)
The clip has been watched over 2 million times (@mermaid.kayleigh/TikTok)

It's not the first time she has come very close to a shark in the water.

As a trained ocean guide, Kayleigh understands the behaviour of sea animals, documenting the life around them.

In an interview last year, she said: "I was able to swim with a twenty-two-foot great white shark which was most likely pregnant and it was a beautiful experience..

"She did not feel threatening at all. I love to swim with sharks because they are very misunderstood animals. They are actually more graceful and gentle than people may think.

"Most animals are able to sense energy and are smarter than most people would give them credit for."

But she told her followers that they can play a big part keeping the incredible creatures alive.

"It's necessary to protect the ocean because it provides life on this blue planet," she added.

"You can help protect the ocean by eating less fish, choosing sustainable seafood, using less single-use plastic, and by speaking up for the ocean. Finally, you should always pick up trash when you're on the beach."

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