OceanX expedition witnesses unprecedented close encounter with enormous bluntnose shark during Bahamas mission

In a spine-tingling underwater exploration, a team of scientists from OceanX, in collaboration with the Moore Charitable Foundation and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans Initiative, set out on an extraordinary mission in July 2019. Strapping a three-person submersible with a hundred pounds of bait, the team descended 500 meters below the surface in the Bahamas, seeking an encounter with the elusive bluntnose sixgill shark – a deep-sea predator larger than the great white and older than the dinosaurs.

The daring objective was to apply a satellite tag to the colossal shark, measure it, and contribute to understanding the species, managing resources, and fostering conservation efforts. The resulting footage, shared on OceanX’s YouTube channel, captures the awe-inspiring moment when the massive shark, identified as a “very large female,” approached the submarine, revealing its enormity by being wider than the sub itself.

The video showcases the majestic bluntnose sixgill shark as it gracefully interacts with the submarine, emphasizing its dominance as a deep-sea ecosystem predator. Viewers are treated to an up-close encounter with the colossal creature, its eyes opening in a captivating moment that sends chills down the spine.

Commenters on social media platforms, including YouTube and Reddit, expressed a mix of awe, fear, and admiration for the magnificent deep-sea predator. The footage serves as a testament to the beauty and mystery of the ocean’s depths, highlighting the importance of respecting and preserving these awe-inspiring creatures.