A bluntnose sixgill shark is seen illuminated by divers in the waters near Port Alberni, B.C., in an undated still image made from handout video footage. A group of British Columbia scuba divers on Vancouver Island spotted the shark on a recent dive in Alberni Inlet, capturing what they say is rare footage of the animal in shallow waters. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Uncharted Odyssey, Garrett Clement, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
NANAIMO, B.C. – A group of British Columbia scuba divers on Vancouver Island spotted a bluntnose sixgill shark on a recent dive in Alberni Inlet, capturing what they say is rare footage of the animal in shallow waters.
Connor McTavish says he and fellow diversGarrett Clement, Danton West and Matteo Endrizzi were exploring around a shipwreck late last month when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye.
McTavish says he used a flashlight and hand signals to alert the others that he saw a big shark, and their initial disbelief turned to amazement when their cameras were able to capture footage of the animal, estimated at about two-metres long.
He says he was lucky to be with the others who are experienced underwater videographers and often capture images posted on Clement’s Uncharted Odyssey YouTube channel.
McTavish says it’s rare to see sixgill sharks in shallower waters and the initial nerves and fear it triggered soon turned to wonder at the creature’s beauty.
He says he’s been on about 75 dives and though each one has offered an array of different wildlife to admire, seeing the shark was a highlight for him and his fellow divers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2023.
