A rare sighting of a Great White shark in the Mediterranean Sea has excited scientists and conservationists after divers captured remarkable footage of the endangered predator swimming offshore.

The encounter took place in May between Tunisia and Sicily, where volunteer diver Derk Remmers and a team from environmental organization Healthy Seas were conducting a dive mission focused on removing abandoned “ghost fishing nets” from the sea.

Remmers described the experience as unforgettable, saying the shark came close to the divers and left him shaking with excitement as he attempted to operate his camera.

Experts believe the shark was an adult male. They emphasized that there is no reason for public concern, as the animal was spotted many miles from shore and posed no threat to beachgoers.

Great White sharks were once more common in the Mediterranean, but their numbers have declined dramatically over recent decades. Scientists attribute much of the decline to overfishing, accidental capture in fishing gear, and habitat pressures, pushing the species close to extinction in the region.

Conservation groups hope the footage will raise awareness about the fragile state of marine ecosystems and encourage governments to establish more protected areas in Mediterranean waters.

The sighting also highlights the importance of ongoing conservation work. Healthy Seas was in the area to address the issue of ghost nets—discarded fishing equipment that continues to trap and kill marine life long after being abandoned.

Researchers say every confirmed sighting of a Great White shark in the Mediterranean provides valuable information about the species’ survival and movement patterns, offering hope that conservation measures can help protect one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.

The rare encounter serves as a reminder that despite significant challenges, endangered marine species still persist in the Mediterranean and require continued protection for future generations.