Scuba Diving
When someone scuba dives, they get the chance to see some amazing things. There's an entirely new world underneath the water that we don't normally see. It's a rewarding experience for the diver when they see some amazing aquatic life hiding in the sea.
One diver and his friend saw something that most people don't see in a lifetime. They managed to catch the whole thing on camera when the seal came out of the abyss to check them out.
A Dive Unlike Any Other
The Isles of Scilly are the perfect place to go diving in the U.K. The archipelago sports some amazing marine life just off of Cornwall's coastal regions. Most of Cornwall's economy actually comes from cutting flowers.
Avid divers and tourists know Cornwall's hiding more than just flowers behind its borders. So two friends decided it was the perfect place to go diving. They delved into the unknown of the icy water - unaware that they'd have a dive like no other.
Under The Surface
Gary Grayson is an avid scuba diver and wanted to take his best friend to go diving with him just off the coast of Cornwall by the Isles of Scilly so they could have a great day out. This spot was renowned for its diving experiences.
They had dived many times before, but they knew that each time was unlike the time before. The sea is mysterious and things can always change. They had heard rumors of old wrecks that had crashed on the rocks of the shoreline. This is what made this diving spot special.
A Surprise Guest
As the two divers decencded down deeper into the black depths, they were wondering what they'd find today. On their way down they started to see some incredible marine animals. But then they noticed something else in the abyss coming nearer to them.
Two shapes came out from the unknown and gave the diver's quite the surprise. They were two grey seals that were curious. The two divers knew that they shouldn't panic if they were ever in a situation like this.
Don't Panic
Divers are told by their instructors that they shouldn't mess with the balance of nature. A diver might inadvertently put himself or others in danger if they don't act appropriately while under the water. Grayson knew from his training that they shouldn't panic and try to remain calm at all costs.
A few divers have said that seals they met underwater have been quite friendly. While others have said that if they're provoked they can be very aggressive and protective when they feel threatened.
Stay Still
The seals came quickly out of the depths of the ocean while the two divers tried to seem as unimposing as possible. They decide they couldn't pass up this opportunity and Grayson's friend pulled out his camera to capture this rare moment.
The seals had come out of a kelp forest, Grayson knew that they felt safe when they were inside them. The two divers were curious about what the seals would do next so they kept the film rolling. They just waited.
The Unknown
Nature isn't always predictable, and certainly when you're in the biggest ecosystem in the world and the one we know the least about. So whenever divers go down into the icy waters they need to be prepared for anything.
This wasn't Grayson's first time diving. He was also a good videographer. But what he was unaware of was that the ocean had some big plans that he could never have prepared for.
Gained Traction
Grayson was grateful that he brought his friend along, he ended up filming the whole encounter with the seals and after they had reviewed the footage they decided to post it on YouTube. This is where things took a turn when millions of viewers soon put their eyes on his video.
The seals swam right next to the divers, they didn't expect this. The seals were so close they could have easily taken the camera if they wanted to. Grayson's mouth would have hung wide open if he didn't have his rebreather on.
Young
Soon it was apparent that the seals were young. Both the divers knew that this meant that it was even more important that they stay calm. They nodded to each other, being on the same page.
For the seals to stick around they had to feel safe around the divers. While adults may be harder to scare off, young startle very easily and Grayson didn't want that. He was enjoying the company of their new guests.
Docile
As Grayson's friend kept filming it appeared that the seals were already bonding with the divers. They started swimming in choreographed dances around the divers.
Divers believe seals can be very friendly and even "dog-like" in behavior. Seals are a special case since they have a unique personality, being mammals.
Not Your Typical Dive
Seals are normally friendly and sometimes they run off if they sense danger, so why were these seals sticking around the two divers? The divers were still careful since they couldn’t afford to make a mistake now and have to pay for it.
Both the divers had gone on many divers before now but they still didn’t know how things would turn out. They’d never gotten this close to any marine animal before, luckily they were rolling the cameras.
Just Like Puppies
The seal pups soon revealed themselves to be curious types. The more they encircled and closed in on the divers, the friendlier they seemed to become. The divers were likely relieved and excited to know it was turning out to be a positive encounter.
These seals were just like rotund water dogs. They even have adorable puppy-like eyes that lure you in to play. The divers couldn’t have predicted what would happen next.
The Closest Encounter
Grayson and his diving partner could hardly believe what was happening to them. The seals were in such close proximity, that they were fully immersed in the moment. Seals don’t typically open up so fast, as they too practice an immense amount of caution to protect their own safety.
But to the divers’ shock, the seals swam right up to them as if they wanted to become friends! It was a rare moment that everyone around the world got to witness.
Meeting A New Friend
To the divers’ surprise, the seals got so close that they started to interact too! One of the seals started nudging Grayson and it appeared as if he was trying to hold his hands.
The seal was holding out his flippers like he wanted Grayson to reach out with his own arms so they could play “Ring Around the Rosie.” Grayson did at least shake the seal’s flippers as they met face-to-face.
Letting The Seal Take The Lead
After Grayson “shook hands” with his new underwater friend, the seal held onto his arm with its flippers. Because they had never had such a close encounter like this before, Grayson and his buddy just let the seals take the lead.
They were unsure of exactly how to approach the situation since most scuba divers aren’t avid animal trainers. Instead, Grayson continued to float still while the seal continued to rub its head and neck into his arm.
It Was Odd Behavior
Usually, when divers go out to sea with the intention of examining wildlife, they must swim for days with a pod of seals in order to gain the animals’ trust. Within that amount of time, the seals must determine if the humans pursuing them are safe to approach.
This is why Grayson and his diving partner didn’t make any sudden movements when they saw the seals. It was odd in the first place that they were being approached so soon.
A Sign Of Aggression
A seal getting that close to a human so suddenly is usually seen as a sign of aggression. Thankfully, Grayson and his buddy handled it so well that the seals ended up wanting to play! After nuzzling Grayson’s arm, the seal began play-fighting by nibbling at his suit.
Meanwhile, the other seal was comfortable enough around the humans to swim around them and mind its business. Perhaps it was looking out for its friend like Grayson’s was for him.
Exploring A New World
These seals swam gracefully in the water, which only added to the illusion that they were content in the presence of these humans. Usually, on land, they have to waddle around on their flippers and hop onto rocks or boats. But it’s underwater where they’re truly in their element.
After seal pups are born, they spend at least four months with their mother before venturing off. Perhaps these seals had finally left the nest and we’re exploring their new world.
This Seal Didn’t Hesitate
This playful seal pup obviously went against what was expected and swarm right up to Grayson. The creature immediately started sizing the diver up but once it realized Grayson was friendly, it didn’t hesitate to see how far things would go.
There were clearly no boundaries for this seal. After the seal nibbled a little more at Grayson’s suit and kept nuzzling its head against his hand, it ended up making a move no one saw coming!
Petting Like A Puppy
Grayson realized that the seal must have liked the feeling of being nuzzled. That’s when he started scratching the seal’s neck and head, just as if he was an actual canine puppy. The seal let Grayson continue to do this for a while.
For their part, Grayson and his diving partner couldn’t believe their luck! It was certainly a diving trip that they would never forget. But what really made it unforgettable was what the seal decided to do next.
Interpreting The Signs
After the hand-to-flipper shake and the nuzzle session, the divers were unsure about how much time they had left with these majestic sea creatures. Moments like these were especially fleeting, so it was great that they were able to capture everything on film.
At any second, the seals could’ve decided to swim away but after everything that had already happened, things were apparently just getting started. The seal started making movements he wanted Grayson to interpret.
Grayson Couldn’t Figure It Out
As Grayson continued to scratch its neck, the seal kept inching closer and closer to the sea floor as if it was trying to tell him something. It continued to nibble at Grayson’s glove in an effort to get him to do what it wanted, but it was up to Grayson to figure out exactly what that was.
This went on for a few minutes until finally, the seal made everything clear.
He Finally Figured It Out
Eventually, the seal turned over on its back. At that point, it was obvious what the seal wanted Grayson to do. Apparently, Grayson’s petting skills were so excellent that this seal wanted him to rub his belly!
It was amazing that this seal was exhibiting such qualities! This would be normal behavior for your average dog or cat, but the fact that a seal likes belly rubs too only goes to show how universal the feeling is among animals.v
The Seal Was Loving It
Grayson’s belly-rubbing skills were so good, that you can see the seal flapping his flipper over the diver’s hand in approval. It was a darling sight to see, especially since the seal’s flabby coat moved along with the waves.
The seal remained on its back for some time, clearly enjoying the feeling. If anything, it only made the seal more playful as he snapped back up to make another move!
He Wanted To Play Some More
After the seal decided it was done with its belly rubs, he swam back up to face Grayson. Grayson’s hand moved underneath the seal’s chin and began scratching. The seal apparently loved that too, as the video shows it smiling as it is happening.
But soon, the seal became more lively and wanted to play some more with its new friends. At that point, it began playfully nibbling at Grayson’s glove and even had his hand in its mouth!
The Second Seal
In the video, Grayson looks at his friend with a smidge of concern on his face the more the seal began biting at his hand. Luckily, the bites didn’t appear to forceful and it seemed the seal was just trying to play with him some more.
Grayson then decided to let the seal do its thing. Meanwhile, the second seal thought it was his turn to get some action and started sniffing at Grayson’s feet.
Playtime Was Over
Eventually, the first seal grew tired of the fun and games. It was obviously grateful for the belly rubs but as the diver continued to pet its coat, the seal started to swim away. At that point, it’s seal companion noticed and knew it was time to go.
The divers watched the seals swim away but were ultimately enthusiastic about the entire experience. Of course, they couldn’t have predicted how viral the encounter would become.
He Was Absolutely Loving It
Grayson’s video soon gained international buzz and of course, he was asked about the experience. He told media outlets that he was “absolutely loving it” the entire time it was happening.
“I had seen other seals in the water but they just buzzed past us. None was as inquisitive as [this seal] was, and none as friendly,” Grayson told the Manchester Evening News. The 55-year-old businessman had quite a story to tell.
“We Were In Their World”
Most people might not know how to react in such a situation, but Grayson and his buddy handled everything exactly as they should have. “We were told just to sit on the bottom of the kelp but the more still we were the more inquisitive this seal was because we were in their world,” Grayson said.
Even though they tried not to seem threatening, their stillness apparently was a source of intrigue for the seals.
“I Have Never Known Anything Like That”
For his part, Grayson admits that as a seasoned diver, he has really never had an experience quite like what he did with the seals at the Isles of Scilly that day.
“The grey seal came across and had five minutes with me, kind of thing. Then another was climbing up my leg. I’m an experienced diver but I have never known anything like that. I’ve been all over the world, to Mexico and Cuba, to dive with great big mantras and sharks,” he added.