AMAZING PICTURES: The terrifying moment a tiger shark stole a diver's £11,000 camera
THIS is the amazing moment a deadly tiger shark made away with an £11,000 camera from a terrified diver in the beautiful deep blue waters of the Bahamas.
The diver had been with a colleague taking underwater photographs of the magnificent creatures when one decided it had had enough.
But instead of swooping for the diver, the shark headed directly for his equipment instead.
Tiger sharks are considered to be one of the most dangerous shark species in the world and are responsible for many recorded attacks on humans, second only to the great white shark.
I wasn't worried about my camera but I was worried for my personal safety
The camera belonged to a guide who was with other divers on a trip.
Miguel Lasa, 49, watched the entire incident.
Mr Lasa, a GP in the North East of England, said: "The shark literally took the camera straight from the hands of our guide photographer.
"The equipment has arms and strobes attached so it immediately attracted the attention of the shark, it's very bulky so it was easy for the shark to grab hold of.
"They are very powerful and can swim long distances very fast.
“Luckily though the shark decided to drop the camera onto the sea bed about 100 metres away.
"The guide was actually very lucky to get the camera back. It cost around £11,000 with the housing and it would have only taken him a few minutes to swim miles away.
"Miraculously it was in perfect condition without so much as a scratch. It's amazing really considering the slightest crack would allow the salt water in and destroy it in seconds.
"It's crazy how sharks can have such sharp teeth and such a gentle bite.Mr Lasa said although it was a once in a lifetime experience he was petrified of what might happen next.
He said: "At the time I was diving without a cage, it was a great experience but I wouldn't do it again as it was too dangerous. When I saw the shark take the camera from the photographer I rushed to try and get a shot of the extraordinary event.
"Fortunately I managed to get it. I was scared though. You never know when a shark is getting too close. They have powerful bites and could take your arm or leg off in a split second.
"I wasn't worried about my camera but I was worried for my personal safety.
“I've never seen anything like this before. It was an amazing event.”