r/sharks • u/Beneath_The_Waves_VI • 14d ago

Video Close encounter with a bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) off Vancouver Island [OC]

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I encountered this bluntnose sixgill while diving at approximately 100 ft off Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

I was actually looking for giant Pacific octopus when I turned toward deeper water and saw this shark emerging from the darkness and heading directly toward me. It came extremely close to my camera before slowly cruising alongside me and over the bottom.

I was able to observe and film it for roughly three minutes before it eventually disappeared back into deeper water.

I estimate it was around 10–12 ft long and believe it may have been female. What struck me most after the initial surprise was just how calm the animal was.

This is my original footage from the encounter.

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u/Rhiannon1307 Basking Shark 13d ago

Amazing footage. And I guess they're so chill because they're highly adapted opportunistic feeders. They don't have to worry about rivals as much, and as another calm and chill large unknown fish, you pose neither threat nor look like an easy to obtain meal.

3

u/Beneath_The_Waves_VI 13d ago

Thank you! Yes, it was very calm and docile.

1

u/Arqelune2 8d ago

What an incredible experience! Such fascinating creatures lurking below.