While many of us explore the depths for the peace, quite and serenity of the underwater world, many SCUBA divers don’t realize they have entered a whole new world of threats. Typically associated with packed metropolitan streets, pickpockets and muggers can be found in some of the most beautiful underwater environments too.
Probably one of the more famous and extreme cases of an underwater mugging, this octopus not only steals a camera, but when approached by his victim attempts to steal his speargun. New research shows the unknown intelligence of octopuses, but we can see their violent intentions by stealing weapons in this video.
Usually perceived as peaceful and majestic, no one would expect a manta ray to be behind an insidious plot to steal thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. While the equipment was eventually recovered, the manta ray took it for a little bit of a joyride before dumping the merchandise.
Octopus and manta rays aren’t the only underwater animals who like to attempt to steal camera equipment. This time we have a shark “mistaking” a camera for food. We can safely assume the shark wanted to turn the cameras on the divers.
Divers aren’t the only ones who are the victims of thefts from below. In this video we have humpback whales stealing food from birds. With organized crime inspired coordination, the humpback whales coordinate their hunting efforts to steal from the disadvantaged birds on the surface.
Be careful on your next dive, the underwater world is full of opportunistic thieves!
For all of these instances of “theft” there are countless peaceful, amazing encounters. Our commentary is meant as humorous and you shouldn’t fear animals stealing your SCUBA gear!
I had an octopus steal a camera lens cap. And he appeared delighted to make off with it.
I was pickpocketed by the ocean once. I made the mistake of swimming in shorts and forgot to take my wallet out. One of the big waves lifted me up and that’s when the wallet slipped out and away forever!
Neptune stole my brand new compass. Pompano beach, fla
The ocean has taken and it has given…. like some soft diving weights, yeeeha!
I had a sea turtle “attack” me and the lobsters I was carrying in a bag off the Keys. I kept feeling something tugging at the bag and thought I had snagged it on something. I turned around and this turtle had my bag and half a lobster in his mouth! My partner was laughing so hard she nearly drowned!
Yup, I donated a 30 year old watch to the ocean that my dad given me. At least I lost it while doing my favorite thing. I’d rather have the ocean steal it than a burglar in my home.