News
Diver almost swallowed by Whale – Watch Video

Tour Operator Rainer Schimpf was filming the annual sardine run when a 15m Bryde’s whale attacked a ball of fish below him.
Luckily the giant mammal swerved at the last moment to avoid sucking him into its gaping mouth – but it still gave him a shock as it breached just yards away.
He said: “I saw him coming up and I thought ‘that’s it for me’. The diameter of his mouth was big enough to swallow a car – he would have barely felt me going in.”
The incident occurred off the coast of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, during the annual sardine run.
47 year old Rainer was out with guests and his wife, Silke, who managed to take a photo as the whale breached just yards from her husband.
The sardine run sees billions of the tiny fish migrating up the east coast of Africa – attracting sharks, dolphins, diving birds and whales – including the massive Bryde’s whales.
Rainer kept his distance from the giant mammal but was left helpless when it emerged from the depths to swallow a mass of sardines (known as a bait ball).
He said: “There was a little bait ball below me and a group of sharks. It was only when the sharks scattered that I realised a whale was coming up directly at me.
“At the last moment he must have realised I was there and he diverted away from me and actually missed most of the bait ball.
“Had he not diverted he would have swallowed me whole.”
He added: “Years ago there was a story about a guy who was swallowed by a sperm whale. His friends managed to snare the whale and cut it open and found he was still alive inside. However, he was bleached white and blinded by the animal’s stomach acid.”
Bryde’s whales feed on plankton, crustaceans and schools of fish, which they engulf in their huge mouths, and can be found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world.
Rainer, who hails from Germany, believes this is first time someone has captured one of them attacking a bait ball at this angle.
Watch this video of the incident:
[youtube id=”a-Ph1CWYivg” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Source: www.express.co.uk
Video: www.barcroftmedia.com
News
Roots Red Sea is the Travelers’ Choice

There is a remote spot on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert that has been steadily developing an enviable reputation amongst the worlds diving community. It’s absolutely no surprise then that Roots Red Sea has just received TripAdvisors top award, Travelers Choice, the 10th year running it has been recognised with awards from TripAdvisor!
With a passing glance, many divers have dismissed a visit to this gem, its rustic appearance and remote location seemingly enough to deter further consideration. However, those that take a closer look have been rewarded with simply a totally unique experience with awesome diving, an unbelievable welcome and life long memories.
Winning an award once could be luck, every year for 10 years, there has to be a reason. Why not go to find out what it is?
Miscellaneous Blogs
The BiG Scuba Podcast… with Nays Baghai

Gemma and Ian chat to Nays Baghai. Inspired by The Blue Planet as a child, Nays’ work as an underwater cinematographer and photographer has been showcased by numerous premier brands, including Rolex and Sony Alpha. Nays was featured amongst the Top 30 finalists of the Australasian Top Emerging Photographers competition in the Portfolio and Animal categories. He is a PADI-certified Freediving Instructor and Master Scuba Diver, and can dive to 40m both with and without tanks.
Have a listen here:
Find out more:
- Instagram @naysbaghai
- Website www.runningcloudproductions.com
Find more podcast episodes and information at the new www.thebigscuba.com website and on most social platforms @thebigscuba
-
Competitions2 months ago
Win a Mares EOS 10LRZ Torch!!!
-
Competitions2 months ago
WIN your choice of a Fish Tank Water Bottle!!!
-
Competitions1 month ago
Win a Vasili Lights Fish Lantern!
-
Competitions2 months ago
WIN a Beuchat Maxlux S Mask and Spy Snorkel!!!
-
Competitions2 weeks ago
WIN a Sharkskin Performance 40L Duffle Bag!!!
-
Competitions2 months ago
WIN a Pacific Northwest Cephalopod Pack from Getting Salty!
-
Competitions1 week ago
WIN a c-monsta Wetsuit Hanger!!!
-
News3 months ago
Dive into Europe