A dramatic rescue unfolded at Kerala’s Varkala Beach when a massive whale shark became stranded near the shore, trapped in a fisherman’s net. The enormous fish, measuring around 15 feet, struggled as waves pushed it onto the sand, leaving locals and tourists alarmed.

“Today, we save a life. At about 8 am this morning, on our way to surf lesson, we saw this whale shark stranded on the beach. There were a few local people and tourists trying to help it,” said @surferboy_varkala in a social media video.

Despite its size, the gentle giant was defenseless, prompting a spontaneous rescue. Locals, tourists, and surfers formed a human chain, pushing and guiding the whale shark back toward deeper waters. Volunteers endured scrapes and cuts from the shark’s rough, sandpaper-like skin but continued working tirelessly for over three hours.

Initially, the fishermen who had accidentally dragged the shark ashore were unaware that whale sharks are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They even offered to sell the creature. Surfer Rakhul Shyamraj intervened, promising Rs 25,000 to support the rescue effort. “I was amazed when I saw it, but also heartbroken because it was dying,” he said.

Even after repeated attempts, the water wasn’t deep enough to give the whale shark momentum, and it washed ashore several times. Finally, two rescue boats arrived. Volunteers secured a rope around the shark’s tail and carefully guided it into deeper waters. The whale shark regained its strength and swam away, much to the relief of everyone involved.

The incident has been widely shared online, with viewers praising the volunteers’ courage. Comments ranged from “Incredible! Proud of every person who stepped in to help. True heroes,” to “Trust me, I visited God’s Own Country and met real humans.”

Marine experts noted that while whale shark strandings are uncommon, they highlight the risks these creatures face from fishing nets and shallow waters. Dr. P Pugazhendi, IFS, said, “The biggest enemy [for whale sharks] is ignorance. This incident shows how awareness and collective effort can make a life-saving difference.”

Even as the whale shark returned to the ocean, a plastic wrapper clinging to its fin reminded rescuers of the ongoing challenges facing marine conservation, underscoring that while one life was saved, the fight for the ocean continues.