A volunteer diver captured rare underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean Sea on May 13, 2026 [1].
The encounter is significant because it is believed to be the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark captured in the Mediterranean [4]. Such sightings are uncommon in these waters, providing critical data on the movements and presence of the species in the region.
The sighting occurred in the Strait of Sicily, located between Tunisia and Sicily [2]. The footage was recorded by Derk Remmers and other divers during a mission to remove abandoned fishing nets from the ocean floor [3]. This environmental effort was organized by the Healthy Seas Foundation, Ghost Diving, and the Society for Documentation of Submerged Sites [3].
Reports indicate that three divers were involved in the operation when they spotted the predator [5]. The footage shows the shark swimming in the open water of the strait, marking a rare intersection between conservation work and opportunistic wildlife documentation.
While some reports describe this as the first time a great white shark was filmed off a Mediterranean holiday hotspot, others emphasize the broader significance of it being the first underwater recording of an adult of the species in the entire sea [4]. The discovery highlights the biodiversity present in the Strait of Sicily, a key migratory corridor for various marine species.
“the first underwater footage captured of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean”
The presence of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean suggests that these apex predators may be utilizing the region more than previously documented. Because the footage was captured during a mission to remove 'ghost nets,' it also underscores the dual nature of marine conservation: the effort to remove human-made hazards often leads to the discovery of rare species that are most vulnerable to such debris.
