Swiss tourists captured an amazing event on video at a dive site near Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. This is where they saw a Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray being freed from ghost nets by their dive instructor and the resort’s General Manager during a dive.
The Manta-Ray’s Call for Help
![Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-23-at-13.35.45-1200x760.png)
The Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray, which was 4 meters in size, approached the divers at their safety stop at 15 meters, it looked like it was asking for their help.
General Manager’s Emotional Experience
![Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-23-at-13.37.10.png)
Mark Eletr, the General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, a seasoned diver, shared that the experience moved him to tears when they resurfaced! He described it as the most extraordinary dive of his life.
Rescue Diver’s Account
![Divers Free Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray from Tangled Nets in Maldives](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-23-at-13.38.35-1200x656.png)
Mark, a Rescue Diver with over 300 dives, said how the majestic creature came to them for help with netting tangled around its head.
Initial Attempt to Free the Manta-Ray
![manta ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/manta-ray-g17d7e1087_1280-1200x900.jpg)
As the manta-ray approached them it became clear it needed assistance. So, Mark attempted to pull the net free but was unsuccessful.
The Manta-Ray’s Trust
![manta ray in madeira](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/manta-ray-in-madeira-1024x768.jpg)
Despite its strength, the manta-ray chose to stay with the group of divers, showing an amazing level of trust and cooperation.
Dive Instructor’s Brave Act
![Manta-Ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_26155687_L-1200x808.jpg)
The dive instructor, Tomoyo, who is petite, seized the moment to get close and cut the net.
Capturing the Moment on Video
![Manta-Ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_228158812_L-1200x893.jpg)
The rescue was recorded on video as Tomoyo cut the manta-ray free. As this all took place, the rest of the group kept a safe distance.
Witnesses to the Rescue
![Manta-Ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_99292800_L-1200x800.jpg)
Three guests on the dive witnessed the rescue, making sure it will be a story retold for years.
The Majestic Creature’s Approach
![Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_42166457_L-1200x799.jpg)
The manta-ray’s approach and interaction were unlike anything the divers had ever experienced. It showed the sometimes unexpected bond between humans and marine life.
The Net’s Trailing Hazard
![Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Manta-Ray.--1200x799.jpg)
The trailing net was visibly wrapped around the manta-ray’s head. This was obviously a danger to the creature.
The Risky Situation
![Manta-Ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_64960259_L-1200x800.jpg)
Mark noted the risk involved, as the manta-ray could have pulled him down into deeper waters but instead stayed with the divers.
A Display of Enormous Power
![Manta-Ray](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_86539864_L-1200x800.jpg)
Despite its power, the manta-ray’s decision to stay near the divers showed them its trust in them to help.
Tomoyo’s Heroic Action
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_207442680_L-1200x800.jpg)
Tomoyo’s decisive action in cutting the net was courageous and showed her high skill as a dive instructor.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_87766644_L-1200x800.jpg)
The interaction was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved. It left a lasting impression on the everyone that was there to witness it.
Manta Ray Physical Features: Q&A
How Large Can Manta Rays Grow?
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_206128614_L-1200x777.jpg)
Giant Oceanic Manta Rays can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) in wingspan, making them the largest species of ray.
What is the Typical Weight of a Manta Ray?
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_14495911_L-1200x800.jpg)
A typical Giant Oceanic Manta Ray can weigh up to 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds).
What is Unique About Manta Ray’s Skin?
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_32846533_L-1200x900.jpg)
Manta Rays have a unique, smooth skin texture with a mucus layer that protects them from parasites and infections.
How Do Manta Rays Breathe?
![Manta-Ray. Image via Deposit Photos.](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_14297111_L-1200x800.jpg)
Manta Rays breathe through five pairs of gills located on the underside of their bodies, which filter oxygen from the water.
What is the Coloration of Manta Rays?
![](https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Depositphotos_206128614_L-1200x777.jpg)
Manta Rays typically have a dark back with a distinctive pattern of white markings, and a white underside, which helps with camouflage in the ocean.
Wrap Up
Overall, the video of the Giant Oceanic Manta-Ray being freed from ghost nets by dedicated divers near Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and marine life. This extraordinary event, captured on video, will be remembered and retold for years, showcasing the bravery and compassion of those who work to protect our oceans.
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