Video
CATCH OF THE DAY
Incredible moment 20ft great white shark leaps out the water to catch a seal in its jaws
Other thrilling images show the shark re-enter the water with a clean splash, clutching its prey
INCREDIBLE action pictures have captured a 2,000-pound Great White shark leaping out of the ocean to catch a seal.
The spectacular shots show the moment the predator springs out of the water to catch its prey.
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The action is known as "breaching" and sees the oceanic beast leaping fully out of the water to catch the seal
The 20 ft beast is also pictured performing a series of acrobatics as it flies through the air, contorting as it devours it's prey.
Other thrilling images show the shark re-enter the water with a clean splash, clutching the decoy seal in its jaws.
Underwater video footage shows the moment the shark stealthily glides past divers in a cage.
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The stunning shots were taken by photographer, Robert Meerding, 46, from Soest, The Netherlands whilst visiting Seal Island near Simon’s Town, South Africa.
“We were sitting at the end of boat watching the decoy at every second through the camera lens,” said Robert.
“I was thinking about putting down the camera for a moment but all of a sudden a shark breached without notice.
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“I guess my reflexes from doing sports photography made me press the shutter at the right time getting the jump from beginning to the end.
“The entire jump lasted only a few seconds, maybe two or three.
“We then moved to a different spot for the second tug and we got lucky again with a new jump.
“I love nature and travel photography and photographing a breaching shark was not something I ever considered doing in my life.”
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Seal Island is home to 64,000 Cape Fur seals and is a popular destination for Great White sharks who circle the waters to make a catch.
“When I show people the pictures, their reactions are mixed with some people saying that I’m very lucky to witness this and have pictures to prove it,” added Robert.
“Others are appalled by the entire thing and that Great White sharks are basically lured with bait to jump for tourists.
“It’s really important to do the things you really want to do when you can and not to wait to do them and take some risks.”
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