The staggering moment a shark was attacked by a dog which fearlessly leapt into the sea has been captured on camera.
British and American visitors enjoying a boat trip in the Bahamas can be heard screaming and shouting as they feared the worst over the dog’s wellbeing.
Despite the hefty size difference between the pup and the sea beast, the dog managed to come out on top, coaxing the 12-foot hammerhead back out into the ocean.
The unexpected face-off took place near a private island in the southern Bahamas, and was filmed by a tourist.
The sight of the huge hammerhead shark was a surprise in itself for the 32 boat passengers, but the daring dog enhanced the surreal viewing experience for the visitors.
Tourists aboard the boat can be heard pleading with the dog to turn back in the video that is circulating on social media.
They are heard shouting: “Oh my god!” And “Stop going after it!”
Despite the dog's successes, using the creatures to fend off sharks isn't recommended
Dr Nicholas Ray/Nottingham Trent University
The desperate pleas continued, but they were ignored, with the pup doggedly chasing the 12-foot shark, before the two animals circled each other in the transparent waters.
Much to the delight of the spectating crowd, the shark swam away.
One man is heard saying: “I don’t think the shark is going to mess with him!”
The tour, organised by Exuma Water Sports, saw an unexpected turn as the fish emerged from under the boat.
Company reservations manager Rebecca Lightbourne told Today that the dog is nicknamed ‘Rufus’, and belongs to a caretaker on the private island.
She added that the dog has been seen since the shocking encounter, and he is “100% A-ok”.
The dog earned applause from the tourists after the impressive stunt as the shark swam away from the pier.
