Mobula rays in the Med!

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Elba, Italy 20/6-2013

N42°43.872´
E10°09.402´

From Messina, our sailing continues north along the coast of Italy.




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The nights are spent both out at sea, as well by anchor at the smaller islands off the coast.






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Day by day the weather is getting calmer and calmer... No wind, nor waves...





... perfect conditions for finding pelagic life... though it needs a good look out and lots of patience...




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The mast becomes a good spot for searching, but the hours are passing by without any sign of pelagic company. The only thing we see is water, water, and even more water...





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Suddenly, we see shadows just beneath surface... What is it??

It does not take long before both fins, mask and camera are in the hand and not even a blink of a moment later I am in the water...




Double check, double check, are all the camera settings in right mode? Yepp, all good and ready for recording...

... but where did the shadows go?

There they are... Wow, it is pelagic raysI! :)




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Suddenly I am totally surrounded by a big group of Mobula rays. Such graceful and admirable creatures!




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It is almost 1000 meter of blue pelagic water beneath us and it truly feels like flying when free diving together with my new gentle company.





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Mobula rays are not a common sight in the Mediterranean and we are all very happy for our encounter. Days of constant searching finally give result!




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Our time together with the rays truly spread lots of happiness onboard... :)




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 Now, it is soon time to leave Italian waters and head for France... Dives in Corse are waiting ahead!

.... :) ....




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