Diver untangles Manta Ray from barnacle-encrusted fishing line – watch video

While diving in the Philippines earlier this year, a group of divers noticed what appeared to be an injured Manta Ray swimming by. As it came closer it became clear that a fishing line was not only caught on her right wing, but it was also cutting through her skin.

The divers knew immediately that they had to do something. After several attempts to cut her free, one of the divers was finally able to remove the barnacle encrusted fishing line.

The Manta Ray seems to be aware that the diver is trying to help it and appears to be reasonably tolerant despite the discomfort and pain it’s experiencing while the diver is trying to set it free.

Here’s the video: