Heroic Rescue: How Locals and Tourists United to Save a Stranded Whale Shark at Kerala's Varkala Beach

The whale shark became entangled in a fisherman's net, requiring immediate assistance.

When individuals come together to assist vulnerable creatures, the outcome exemplifies the inherent goodness of humanity. This compassionate spirit was recently demonstrated in a viral video from Kerala's Varkala beach, where a group of locals and tourists collaborated to rescue a massive stranded whale shark, successfully guiding the gentle giant back into the ocean.

The enormous shark had become caught in a fisherman's net and required more than three hours of collective effort to be safely returned to deeper waters.

"Today, we save a life. At about 8 am this morning, on our way to surf lesson, we saw this whale shark stranded on the beach. There were a few local people and tourists trying to help it," shared @surferboy_varkala in an Instagram video documenting the rescue.

"The shark got caught in the fishermen's net and got pulled to the seashore. A lot of people, including my mum, worked for over three hours to rescue it. They were able to push it deep enough so it could swim. But it wasn't enough for it to go all the way back and so it washed up onto the beach again."

Following the exhausting three-hour rescue attempt, two boats arrived to assist, securing a rope around the shark's tail and carefully guiding it into deeper water. Many rescuers sustained cuts and abrasions from the whale shark's rough, sandpaper-like skin, yet they remained committed to saving the marine creature's life.

Check The Viral Video Here:

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A post shared by Surfer Boy Varkala (@surferboy_varkala)

The viral video garnered widespread praise on social media, with users commending the group of strangers for their collaborative effort to save the whale shark.

"This is amazing! So proud of the group of people who tried rescuing and putting back the whale shark where it belongs! Kudos," commented one user, while another added: "Whatta good life experience and a lesson shown to future gen!"

A third person remarked: "When I was there, we saw a pod of dolphins and today a whale rolled over. Majestic and mysterious. Bless all the people who helped."

Another user expressed: "So inspiring. That whale shark and its friends will thank you guys forever."