A routine dive off the coast of Thailand turned into something straight out of a sci-fi movie when a group of divers encountered a massive, never-before-seen marine creature lurking in the depths.
Witnesses say the creature, which has not been officially identified, appeared without warning just off Koh Tao during a routine fun dive. Described as “larger than a whale” with “features that defy all known classifications,” the creature swam silently past the divers before vanishing into the blue, leaving behind a wake of stunned silence — and a trail of bubbles.
Ella (@oceangirlella), a local ocean photographer and PADI Instructor, was the first to spot the mysterious figure. “At first, I thought it was a trick of the light or maybe a whale shark in the distance,” she told PADI in an exclusive interview. “But as it got closer, I realized it was something… different. It had glowing markings along its backside, what looked like whiskers, and eyes that seemed almost curious.”
Ella managed to capture a quick video before the creature disappeared into the depths. The video, which has since gone viral, shows the animal with an elongated body and what some online users have dubbed “tentacle-whiskers.” Marine biologists have been quick to weigh in — or, rather, admit they’re stumped.
“There’s no known species that fits this description,” said Dr. A. Foolings, a marine biologist from the University of Thailand. “We’ve compared the divers’ reports and images to everything in our database. Either we’ve discovered a completely new species… or the kraken is real.”
Some speculate that the creature may be a highly elusive deep-sea animal drawn to shallower waters by recent changes in ocean temperatures. Others believe it may be an elaborate prank, an optical illusion, or (as one zoology forum claims) “proof of ancient sea beings returning to reclaim their territory.”
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PADI’s Head of Social Media, Patti Sebastiao, offered a balanced take, “Our oceans are vast and largely unexplored. While we encourage skepticism, we also know that diving regularly leads to surprising, magical encounters. Whether this was a new species or a rare deep-sea visitor, we look forward to future sightings and scientific findings.”
Until more evidence surfaces, the identity of the Thai Sea Specter — as it’s now being called — remains a mystery. One thing is certain: divers everywhere will be keeping their eyes wide open on their next descent.
Have you ever spotted something unexplainable beneath the waves?
(Update: Marine biologists have stated that they don’t believe the “creature” is a giant sea cucumber riding a squid… but they’re not ruling it out either.)
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ONLY JOKING… HAPPY APRIL FOOLS’ DAY!!!
Note: A massive, unknown marine creature has not been spotted in Thailand! Did you believe us?
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For Real Though…
If documenting marine life (both known and unknown) interests you, the first step to become an underwater photographer and videographer, like Ocean Girl Ella, is to become a certified scuba diver. After that, consider enrolling in the PADI Underwater Photographer Specialty course. This course shows divers how to take photos underwater, use underwater photography lights (strobes), avoid backscatter and enhance the colors of underwater photographs. The best part? You can get started with the specialty course online right now.
