Vancouver Island diver captures rare shark encounter

Vancouver Island diver Carl Sorenson was on a routine dive to look for octopus when he encountered a rare sight - a bluntnose sixgill shark. "This shark was about five feet away and coming at me with its mouth open," Sorenson recounted to Global News. Despite his initial shock, he quickly reacted by screaming into his regulator and recording the encounter.

The massive shark bounced off his camera gear as it came within close proximity. Sorenson remained with the shark for approximately three minutes before it swam away to deeper waters. He had never seen a sixgill shark during his extensive diving history around Vancouver Island, making this encounter truly exceptional. The bluntnose sixgill shark is a deep-water species, typically found in B.C. waters, but rare to observe at recreational diving depths.

Sorenson speculates that the shark may have ventured into the shallow waters near the Madrona Diving Site near Parksville for mating purposes or to give birth. It is also possible that the shark was drawn to the area to hunt for octopus, which is also what Sorenson was searching for. Despite the shark's unusual appearance, Sorenson reassured that it did not exhibit aggressive behavior, moving methodically as it approached him.

The viral video of the rare encounter has garnered significant attention online, solidifying its place as an unforgettable diving experience for Sorenson.