A group of keen shark enthusiasts have captured the moment one pulled a large fishing hook from a shark's mouth.
Florida woman Cassie Jensen was diving with her friends when they came across the lemon shark, nicknamed 'White Fringe'.
More than 50cm of line trailed behind the hook, which was wedged in the corner of the shark's mouth.
The group had seen the shark around for several months, but Ms Jensen says the timing never worked out to help her.
"The hook is so thick - stainless steel - it would have never rusted out," she told Newshub.
"We knew she would die with the hook in her mouth before it ever came out on its own if we couldn't help her."
Fellow diver Roger Haddix lured the shark closer using dead fish to gain her trust, twice trying and failing to get a hold of the hook.
The third time was the charm.
"He tentatively reached for the hook and she seemed more relaxed this time, almost paused her swimming as if to say she understood," Ms Jensen says.
"Then Roger held on tight with his fingers, no tool in hand, and worked his magic."
The shark swam away shortly after, finally freed of the massive hook.
Ms Jensen says the charter they were diving with, Deep Obsession, promotes conservation through shark education and everyone involved in the rescue is passionate about oceanlife.
"Our purpose for diving with these intelligent, beautifully evolved creatures is to try to save them before it's too late," she says.
"Spreading awareness is a huge part of that, but to also help one physically was an amazing thing to witness."
Newshub.
