DRAMATIC photos show the moment a shark lunged out of the water to try and swallow the a 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seal, which narrowly escaped death.
The images captured the attempted attack in False Bay, South Africa, an area well known to be bustling with 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seals.
The moment a shark lunged out of the water to try and swallow the a 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seal, which narrowly escaped deathCredit: Peter Bradley/Solent News
The images captured the attempted attack in False Bay, South Africa, an area well known to be bustling with 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 sealsCredit: Peter Bradley/Solent News
Out at sea, just off the coast of South Africa, a small rock called ‘seal island’ is home to a number of 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seals around the year.
The pups tend to congregate around the rock to protect themselves from predators, who circle the tiny island in hopes of a meal.
When the babies enter the water, they risk being chowed down on by the huge sharks lying in wait.
These incredible photos show the moment after a great white shark circles the small island, building up speed to launch itself at its prey, just after sunrise.
The four-metre-long creature can be seen leaping out of the calm ocean as it reaches out, jaws wide, for the defenceless seal.
However, the small pup launches itself away from the predator in a lucky escape.
The shark used the rising sunlight to disguise itself, going undetected in the imperfect light.
The 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seal was one step ahead and narrowly escapes the chance to become breakfast.
Tourists travel the world to visit shark sighting spots, for a chance to cage-dive and watch the terrifying creatures in their natural habitat.
Peter Bradley, a 55 year old photographer, witnessed the ‘extremely rare’ sighting and said: “The Great Whites look for the small, young, less able seals.
“When they have spotted a target they circle in the deepest part of the bay using this depth to build up speed. They adjust their speed and direction so at to hit the seal from below. Surprise is crucial.
“They often get so fast that they fully launch themselves out of the water, knocking the seals with them.
“The shark successfully hits the seal. Together, they fly out of the water and the great white then grabs the seal, both thrashing about in the waves.
“If not critically injured in the attack, a seal is much more able to twist and turn in the water and often able to escape.
“The power, agility and beauty of the Great White shark is incredible.”
Last week, an impressive set of photos were captured a lifelong shark enthusiast, showing a shark attempting to chow down on an unsuspecting seagull.
She has previously captured the stunning photo resembling the poster for Jaws last week.
Shark attacks are not uncommon, with one lucky survivor recalling the fear they had when they were attacked.
Despite that, Nikki said that she hopes people see a different side of sharks through her photography.
There have been roughly 74 shark attacks and eight deaths this year and are supposedly on the rise this year following environmental initiatives to protect seals – a key part of a shark’s diet.
The four metre long creature can be seen leaping out of the calm ocean as a it reaches out, jaws wide, for the defenceless sealCredit: Peter Bradley/Solent News
The small pup launches itself away from the predator in a lucky and daring escape.Credit: Peter Bradley/Solent News
The 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 seal was one step ahead and narrowly escapes the chance to become breakfastCredit: Peter Bradley/Solent News
