A diver has managed to capture ‘incredible’ footage showing ‘flying’ devil rays migrating in one giant cluster.
25-year-old Emily Marzilli was out freediving near La Ventana, in Mexico, when she spotted a shadow underneath the surface. However, the dark patch soon turned out to be a large group of Mobula rays that were all travelling in the same direction – gliding through the water so fast with their wings it looked like they were flying.
Originally from Canada, Marzilli witnessed the spectacle with a group of freediver beginners and says she’s ‘very proud’ to have been able to share the moment with those just being introduced to the sport. “It’s very humbling to be a part [of that],” she added.
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Able to reach up to 5.2 metres in disc width, the Giant Devil Ray is believed to live in low numbers and is listed as endangered.
(Image: Jam Press/@emgonewild)
However, every single year thousands of the sea creatures embark on their migration, and are often spotted in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula. Marzilli says there is something bittersweet about knowing there will only be a handful of opportunities to watch the spectacle again, and describes the surreal moment as ‘a core memory’.
(Image: Jam Press Vid/@emgonewild)
“I’d repeat this moment in a heartbeat,” she added. “It’s one of those experiences that you never truly get sick of. No experience is ever the same, it’s all chance – the water conditions, the visibility, the quantity of rays and the people you’re with.”
The diver’s video footage of the migration has whipped up a storm online, attracting a staggering 290,000 views at the time of writing. Swathes of Instagram users flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts, with many in awe of the devil rays.
(Image: Jam Press/@emgonewild)
“The way I would gasp, swallow all the water, and die so fast— but it would be worth it because WOW,” one impressed viewer wrote. Another commented: “I would sob uncontrollably!” While a third added: “It looks like they’re flying. It’s amazing.”
Others were less keen on the migration, with one person describing the sight as ‘terrifying’ before adding: “I’m totally stoked for you, but ah, I’m [going to] pass lol.”
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