Divers exploring the waters off Costa Rica recently had an extraordinary encounter with one of the ocean's most majestic creatures, who, in the throes of a life-threatening predicament, approached them as if to ask for their help.

The group was partway through their dive when an enormous manta ray appeared in the distance, swimming in their direction. As the animal got closer, the divers noticed that she was entangled in rope from a fishing net which was cutting into her flesh.