A Canadian dive team led by Michael Marcotte and Stuart Seldon encountered a remarkable giant Pacific octopus while exploring the cold depths off the coast of British Columbia. Their goal was to capture the moment on camera, but the encounter quickly turned into a dramatic test of caution, restraint, and respect for a creature far larger and more powerful than a human diver. The pair paused to respect the animal’s space, yet curiosity nudged them to document the moment with pictures that could later serve as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine life.
As Stuart drifted closer to the octopus with a camera in hand, the animal moved with intelligence and intent that belied its haunting, graceful appearance. The octopus wound two of its long arms around the diver’s neck and upper torso, a surprising display of strength and a reminder of how quickly underwater encounters can unfold. In that instant, the scene shifted from a shared human- animal moment to a survival scenario, with the divers forced to reassess distance, timing, and the risk involved in attempting to photograph such an imposing creature up close.
The creature’s grip extended beyond Stuart, as it directed its attention toward Michael when the opportunity arose. The octopus remained focused on the divers’ gear, especially the GoPro camera, and appeared determined to disengage the device from the human grip that held it. Michael recalls how the octopus used its suction cups and muscular tentacles to test the diver’s grip, tugging and maneuvering as if evaluating the best way to secure a prize from a stubborn object rather than simply withdrawing from the scene. The moment underscored the octopus’s remarkable problem-solving abilities and its capacity to treat divers as both observers and, at times, challengers to its territory.
Despite the intensity of the struggle, the octopus did not escalate the encounter into outright danger. After a few tense seconds that stretched into what felt like an eternity under water, the animal released its hold and seemed to study the divers from a respectful distance. With the camera still secured in one of the diver’s hands and the octopus drifting away, the two men swam back to a safer, more controlled distance. They finished their dive with a renewed sense of prudence, acknowledging that curiosity must be tempered by the reality of a wild animal’s unpredictable behavior and a diver’s responsibility to maintain safety above all else.
In the broader context of cephalopod research, scientists have long noted that octopuses can display sophisticated tactile and exploratory behaviors when they encounter objects and unfamiliar stimuli. Some researchers describe a skin pattern analysis system among octopuses, occasionally noting that the animal can convey intention through texture and movement. While such observations may seem abstract, they reinforce the idea that these intelligent mollusks are capable of rapid decision-making, adaptive problem solving, and, at times, a defensive response when they perceive a threat or an intrusion into their space. The incident with Marcotte and Seldon serves as a vivid example for divers and researchers alike: moments of wonder in the deep can quickly become lessons in respect, preparation, and risk assessment. It is a reminder that underwater explorations demand careful planning, proper gear handling, and a clear understanding of how to disengage safely should a creature show interest in a diver’s equipment or personal space.