When a diver slips below the ocean’s smooth surface, they’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive animals beneath. They rarely have the opportunity to observe a majestic creature like a sea turtle in its natural habitat, let alone get the chance to help one.
The entire interaction between the diver and the turtle is almost unbelievable, but luckily, the entirety of the magical moment was captured on camera.
We all know what it’s like to have an itch in the middle of our back that we just can’t reach. And what do we do? We seek someone or something that can help. In this case, it was a human that the sea turtle swam up to and asked for assistance.
Perhaps at some time in the sea turtle’s long life, it was fed by human divers, or maybe the turtle could sense that the diver would be happy to help.
Either way, the entire interaction is incredible to behold. Without video proof, I don’t know how many people would have believed him!
The video begins with a shot of the ocean floor and blue water. Then, slowly but surely, you can see a sea turtle swim toward the camera. Even from far away, it’s evident that the turtle has something stuck to his back. Some commenters even speculate that it looks like the turtle is motioning with his head toward his shell to indicate that he needs help.
Then, the turtle circles him before the diver gently plucks the shell from his back.
Sea Turtles have feeling in their shells, as they are made out of flattened bone plates and keratin scales that have nerve endings throughout. So, while scientists don’t believe they are super sensitive, they think they feel pressure.
Now, there are fish that help clear the organisms that have attached themselves to a turtle’s back. But, if a sea turtle has too many hitchhikers on its shell, it can have a harder time swimming.
Even other divers were blown away by this incredible interaction.
“That’s really cool! I’m a diver. They don’t just swim up to you like that. That was reaching out for help. Way to go,” said a fellow underwater enthusiast.
Surely, this diver was delighted by the opportunity to interact so closely with a sea turtle. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Once you get a glimpse of this incredible moment, it will be quite clear why this video got over three million views!
Featured Image: YouTube
Toledo, United States.
