A scuba diver’s underwater exploration took an unexpected turn when a seal decided to take a curious nibble on her leg. Lucy Manning, a 26-year-old cake decorator from Watford, Hertfordshire, captured the remarkable moment on video during a dive at Lundy Island off the Devon coast in June. Manning was diving to observe a colony of 12 grey seals and encountered one of them getting up close and personal with her. Initially feeling a tapping sensation on her diving fin, Manning turned to see the playful grey seal taking a cheeky bite of her leg before swimming off. Despite feeling a bit scared during the encounter, Manning escaped unharmed and was in awe of the playful nature of the seals, describing them as the “dogs of the ocean” for their interactive and fun behaviour.
Having previously experienced diving in tropical seas, Manning was unsure of what to expect in the UK waters due to poorer visibility. However, the encounter with the grey seals left her amazed at their curious and friendly nature. Manning expressed her initial apprehension turning into excitement as the seals interacted with her, nibbling on her fin and leg out of curiosity. Assured by the dive crew that the seals meant no harm, Manning enjoyed the close encounter and managed to capture stunning footage of the seals in action.
Reflecting on the unique experience, Manning highlighted the playful and adorable nature of the seals, stating that despite their cuteness, they do possess teeth. She commended the seals’ interactive behaviour and likened the close encounter to meeting the “dogs of the ocean.” Manning’s video of the seal taking a nibble of her leg serves as a memorable moment from her underwater adventure at Lundy Island. The incident serves as a reminder of the incredible wildlife encounters that can occur during underwater expeditions, showcasing the beauty and curiosity of marine life in their natural habitat.
The story of Lucy Manning’s close encounter with a curious seal highlights the wonders of underwater exploration and the unexpected wildlife interactions that can occur. Manning’s video capturing the seal’s playful behaviour serves as a reminder of the beauty and charm of marine animals in their natural environment. Her experience serves as a testament to the thrill and awe of encountering marine life up close and the importance of respecting and admiring these creatures from a safe distance.