Dolphin Rescue in Kona, Hawaii

A wild bottlenose dolphin got entangled with fishing line and was rescued by a crew of divers in Kona, Hawaii.
Update: I learned that the hook and all line were removed after I spoke with the diver. I would prefer to correct the video caption, but I can't upload an updated video without losing all your beautiful comments and thoughts. Blessings to all I can inspire.
-- Martina Wing (Camera Woman)
Read the full story here: mantarayadvoca...
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Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. We’ve only just begun to uncover their many mysteries. But manta rays are becoming threatened and could even face extinction if nothing gets done.
At Manta Ray Advocates, we raise awareness and spread knowledge about the gentle giants of the sea - so the generations to come can experience their near-magical beauty and grace.
Read more at www.mantarayadvocates.com
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[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Aloha Cary, I am blown away by the responses and comments. Thank you to everyone out there. I knew when I was filming that this is extraordinary and I am so humbled to share this powerful footage with the world.

[@Swordfishstick]

What a smart animal, to understand that it needed help, and to seek help among divers - and to understand that when the diver was struggling with the line and hook, that he was trying to help, even though it must have hurt the dolphin. It remained calm, and allowed the diver to work on it's entangled fin, until it was clear of the line and hook. Great job to the people that helped! Really wonderful to see a video like this.

[@psychochick6585]

This was amazing. The dolphin seemed to inherently trust these divers. I have never seen a wild animal seeking help from humans like this.

[@sarahbarham8592]

This is an incredible video. I'm glad they were able to record this footage! I just saw a video recently of a raven requesting help from humans. If you want to see it, just search for "raven rescue." Animals are truly amazing!

[@ragnopollo1769]

It reminds me of a video I saw about a fox walking up to a couple of russian men to get its head out of a jar. Search 'Fox cub help' if you want to see it. These videos are amazing :)

[@LDPink60]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment....watching this while breaking away from a busy day in the world of business imparted such a peaceful, still moment...bringing the mind to a moment of gratitude and connection. Gratitude for you divers and the beauty of how connected these dolphins show us we are.

[@glorioussnookie]

AWESOME!!! Thank you so very much for showing this! Brought tears to my eyes, you could tell the wild dolphin knew the diver would help! Special thanks to that diver, you are a blessing! Martina thank you for the awesome photography and letting the world know of this touching act!

[@carsteNmlk]

Incredibly inspiring! Thank you Keller and the other divers to help make a difference and helping the most beautiful species on planet earth. Also thanks to Martina for capturing this and helping to spread the spirit, for those pictures moved me and I bet an unimaginary amount of other people all across the world. Just thank you for this inspiration!

[@AroostookLauri]

Thank you so much to these divers for noticing this dolphin wanting help. Every living creature is a blessing and needs to live free of pain. We could all learn a lesson from these dolphins and divers about trust and love and should not take each others existence for granted. Thanks again to all involved.

[@bewarethemoose1]

we went night snorkeling there last week and the workers told us that the dolphin actually did come back and it hung around the divers that saved him and then swam away. They assumed it was a thank you from the dolphin

[@KarmaKutie1]

Absolutely beautiful - Like a compassionate, skilled surgeon helping a trusting and brilliant patient! Note the "unspoken communication" between both of them. Thank you Doc and also thank you to the Medical Assistant/Photographer for this wonderful lesson and memory.

[@user-hg5gk6wr7p]

1Ursula Vavrik

[@SeanCleverly]

To all who were involved in this amazing work, well done and thank you!

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Yes, agreed. Thank you so much for watching our video. Aloha

[@65Labrat]

Martina, I thought the music to this video was perfect. What a beautiful dedication in memory of your brother-in-law..... It is a very moving piece. Again, thank you for saving the dolphin and restoring faith I feel in all of us that kindness still exists in this world.

[@RittaBritta]

Dear Martina, thank you for this beautiful statement of people helping this dolphin in need. I read about this story in a german newspaper a few days ago and just got the chance to see the footage. I am deeply impressed by the dolphin's intelligence and sensitivity and by all the divers sense for this mammalian in trouble. I am glad for your update the hook got finally removed. Please keep on making a difference and inspire us! Kindest regards from Germany :-)

[@RonRay]

I like when the diver motions the dolphin to "come here". :) (Incredibly, it seemed to understand!)

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Thanks for watching our video. Aloha

[@synergyavw]

Thank you for saving this beautiful animal. I am overwhelmed.

[@starsbydaylight]

Martina Camera Woman, many thanks for your brilliant camera work, of course many thanks to the divers, the Manta Rays and most of all to the brilliant top intelligent dolphin who shows the world that she/he knew that human-diver-beings could save her/his life. Unforgettable brilliant event.

[@larrytuck7816]

lovely :) I've done this dive in Kona so many times...seeing a bottle nose dolphin come in with the Mantas must have been very special - and how wonderful that he so clearly asked for help...thanks for being there Mr. Laros!

[@LadySunshine1405]

This is absolutely amazing... Thanks to everybody who helped and the sharing of this video... Love & Peace to all!!!

[@threenorns3]

i see that all the time - "do not attempt to assist wildlife - seek professional help". ...... nah, pretty sure i'm going to assist anyway. a big thank you SO MUCH to those wonderful divers!

[@pilvikkiitisso5010]

love that story!

[@pisces2569]

three norns what you should do is call a rescue if you see an animal in distress. If you intervene without training, you could make the situation worse

[@MyLastSong719]

Pisces If you are 20 feet under the ocean you're going to help, if you don't you'll never see that animal again. It's not right to go and call for help in a situation like that. When it comes to land animals calling for help is almost always the best answer but not for in the ocean

[@pisces2569]

Kate Marsh thank you. This would be the time to intervene but I was speaking in a general sense

[@fireintheheadstudio]

This beautiful being was speaking just so loudly! Blessings to all those involved in helping one of our own..We as a species need to remember all that has been forgotten about the communication and connection we have with every living thing on this planet. Please share and help relieve folk of their amnesia. Many blessings and thankyou for sharing

[@MaulingPenguins]

Animals are so much smarter than we give them credit for sometimes! What a beautiful video, I love seeing things like this especially when they have a happy ending. It's like that dolphin knew exactly where to go to get some help. Kudos to that dolphin and kudos to the people who helped him/her, and kudos to you for sharing with us! So glad they got the hook out!

[@carpedieminvest00]

Thank you for sharing this special moment and thanks to the divers !

[@OlliMSa]

Thanks for sharing and helping the dolphin! Love ya!

[@Kalona1982]

Such a beautiful video. I never knew Mantas in the dark...so magical. And the dolphin coming for aid. Our connection is beyond belief. Thank you for taking me to a world I never knew, even though it is all around me. I am humbled and in awe.

[@IceQn]

The dolphin decided the divers were like cleaner fish and availed itself of the help provided by the divers. In this case, a "normal" action, and one that offered the most sense to both parties. Beautiful, natural assistance. Lovely story, lovely video! Thank you for sharing.

[@kymberleighm9792]

This is absolutely beautiful!! Thank you to the divers!!

[@mazamonty710]

Every frame of this video is just beautiful. I'm not a seafarer so thanks for the opportunity to view this enchanting scene. Then the dolphin.....WOW!!! When I was a teen my sisters workmate went on a fishing holiday where they did deep sea fishing from a working boat. The crew caught a dolphin in their net and it ended up on the deck with their catch. Next thing the cook was out sharpening two large knives together. The dolphin looked intelligently at the fishing tourists with pleading eyes....HELP ME. That story disturbed me and has haunted me for over thirty years. I can't forget it. This video brought tears to my eyes. Dolphins have saved many humans....how nice humans could assist this beautiful majestic creature. It's made me feel a TINY bit better about my own tale.....just a tiny, tiny, tiny bit. So long and thanks for all the fish :)

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Thank you for sharing your amazement. We appreciate it very much. Have a great day!

[@msTmattole]

wonderful. Thank you to the diver, as a diver I could see how the breath got held, and the interaction that took place, the recognition of need, the calmness it took, especially when you are doing the "manta ray night dive" What trust how amazing. Divers, watch, be ready, and thank you for this post. Thumbs up

[@starsbydaylight]

Thanks Laura. I have to explain. My comment -can't believe no professional rescue action ... - refers to a comment here from kimmeridgian who tells about the sad story of another dolphin who last Saturday 26 Jan. was stranded in the NY canal and died because no rescue team came to help, is unbelievable. Yeah, so happy about our rescued dolphin in the video here, sure it was done professionally & beautifully, managed to remove all line, and even the hook too, is the icing on the cake.

[@Captain_Jack514]

Videos like these help restore my faith in humanity.

[@katzrule100]

What INCREDIBLE footage!! Personally, I believe the dolphin approached the 'humans' for help. He was extremely lucky that the ones he reached, were the ones with 'good' hearts: compassionate and caring. THANK YOU, gentlemen, for representing the 'good' in humanity. I bow to you.

[@starsbydaylight]

The video shows how, I am sure the majority of people are naturally happy to help distressed animals that keep their calm, sometimes being out of fear unreasonable while being rescued. Once I witnessed a toddler busy carefully rescue a butterfly drowning in a puddle of water. The intelligence of the dolphin and the kind manner of the diver made me cry. In fact the dolphin saved its own life. I have never enjoyed the privilege of swimming with a dolphin. The thumbs down are shocking.

[@FaniHONDA]

Dolphins - wonderful animals. Great thanks to the divers for saving this mammal. My dream is to see a dolphin, my dream is to dive with dolphins and do something for their safety. These are unique beings ...

[@Christin5554]

super video. I loved the lighting under water with the forrest of air bubbles. Obviously the dolphin came and asked for help. What an experience. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing video.

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Thanks for watching our video. Aloha

[@CarolSteele]

Incredibly moving, I cried the first time I saw it. How can we harm or imprison such wonderfully intelligent creatures is beyond me. Thank you on behalf of humankind to the diver(s) who took part in this

[@FelicitaJeraldin]

Gänsehaut pur, Kloß im Hals, Tränen vor Rührung -> direkt ein paradiesisches Erlebnis! Ein Danke an die Helfer!

[@dominiqueroman6657]

You guys are ANGELS

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Thank you vey much. Aloha.

[@FilipTruta]

What an emotional video! Dolphins have such indisputable intelligence

[@gabriellebeell145]

I can watch that video over and over, it warms my heart to know that there are wonderful people that do such wonderful things for the marine life in Hawaii, may all the people that help those animals have a wonderful life, you guys are close living in HI and have a job being close to such wonderful animals...thank you for being their protectors of the sea.....

[@westonyamada3965]

ALOHA Martina, Your camera expertise is most admirable. I thank you for having the inquisitiveness to stay focused on the dolphin so the rest of us in the world were able to share the moment with you. I am a native to Hawaii island, 55 years. I've free dived for lobsters for over 30 years and have many wonderful experiences with the ocean's wildlife......but none so exquisite as this. I "aloha" all of you who were involved in this unique rescue and extraordinary contact with such

[@EdmundasVaisnoras]

It's incredible! It seems like a new step forward in communication between species on the Earth.

great job Martina

[@violetxoxox]

This is so beautiful. It's so clear the dolphin knew they were trying to help. Heartbreaking to think of all the creatures who aren't so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. But thank God for the people who are there to help when they can. Gives me some hope for the world.

[@MrPhilliefan75]

Thank you so much to the Diver, cameraman, and everyone involved in this video minus the people who helped get the hook and line in the dolphin. My 6 year old daughter has a new hero! She loves dolphins!

[@jshanker2005]

Lol, I was involuntarily pushing against my chair to hurry the man up !! I would gladly put my worthless life on the line to accomplish something like this. All power to the the kind divers (camera lady included) !! I had tears welling in my eyes both for the efforts of these wonderful people and the suffering of the dolphin. Humans were meant to be like these good folks.

[@abbermits8220]

if this is not the coolest thing you can see on a friday evening on youtube, I don´t know what it is. amazing!

[@1Irisangel]

What a blessing to have captured these moments on film. No words needed, only love and compassion for a fellow traveler on planet Earth. Wonderful capture Martina!

[@sallyrickerson9139]

I just got a spark back in my Soul for how wonderful Humans can be. All I have been seeing lately is horrific sad pictures of abused animals that were caused by Human. Not only is this Video beautiful, the Humans underwater are beautiful too. I am sharing this on my FB wall.THANK YOU for this Video, and loving animals!!! Great job!!! Aloha!!!!

[@damianmiran]

GOOSEBUMPSSSS THANK YOU VERRY MUCH I DONT NO HOW PEOPLE CAN DISLIKE THIS :( GREETINGS FROM AMSTERDAM

[@irmanv.9798]

A beautiful story,we all have to live together in harmony,helping each other rather than hurting each other.

[@atousapoorbagher3310]

Omg it made me cry, I love all of you men and women out there that help all animals ! You guys are the best and God is watching all of you ! Keep up the good work !

[@judishere]

What an incredible video and what a wonderful thing to see - dolphins are such amazing animals (mammals) and all of you divers are to be congratulated for rescuing this one. So good to know that you were able to remove the hook and all of the line. Your brother-in-law was so talented - I'm sure he would be absolutely honored that you used his composition in the video. Thanks so much for sharing it with the world!

[@1softkiss]

Love this video and especially love the respect and devotion to the animals that need help and need to be rescued :)

[@lancethrustworthy]

A good 'tear duct workout' video. ;) Snorf.

[@1Irisangel]

Amazing and wonderful to watch. The music you chose to accompany the footage was perfect. Your compassion is admirable and the dolphin's trust is amazing. Long may she or he live.

[@TheLisakf]

watched the entire video with tears in my eyes, not only for the pain he was obviously in but for the complete lack of regard for our sea life that found this dolphin in this shape, it is sooo easy to pull in your lines and discard them safely but every day i go to the beach and see evidence of people too danged lazy to even do that. thanks for being a hero to him that day.

[@selimate]

how i love the sea people

[@rdhawke]

Too beautiful for words…Aloha!

[@Ninsuna]

Thank you so much for sharing this exquisite video, so beautiful it moves me to tears. Infinite blessings to all involved who responded to this precious being's plea for help.

[@terribrown8343]

I share this on twitter every now & then and did again t'nite. Seems to help when needing a beautiful, quiet awesome flipper & human moment. Thank you ALL. You were Awesome in recording this (don't know how ya did it!), and they did awesome for the dolphin. Thank you soooo much! Stay safe & keep up the great work! Luv, Flipper ; )

[@Scubysnaps]

The only underwater video that makes me cry with happiness every time I see it, thank you, hope flippers still ok, does he still return and has he ever got the hook out?

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

+Scubysnaps Hi, thank you for your kind words. As a matter of fact we have seen the dolphin again. I produced the story "before the rescue, the rescue and the reunion" for a Film Festival. If you like to get the free download of this inspiring story, click here: www.mantarayshawaii.com/Free-Stuff.html ~ Aloha Martina, camerawoman

[@MYLord4Me]

"A Dolphin's Quest" inspired by video Hawaii has an adventure That is really a diver's treat You can swim with manta rays Truly amazing guys to meet During a starry night dive Giant rays were a swimming Soon to be an encounter As the sunset was dimming In the spotlight, rays swarmed The divers heard a loud squeal A bottlenose dolphin arrived He wasn't looking for a meal He approached a diver Who noticed a hook and line Around his fin to his lip His movement it did confine The diver made a gesture As if you would call a dog Wanting him to come closer Out of the dark murky fog The dolphin came closer For the diver to see Why he needed help Why he had a plea The fish line had pinched Worn into a deep groove So that the bound fin He could hardly move Careful pulling and tugging At the line, to get it free Then the dolphin rolled over So the diver could better see Only one wrap could he free So careful not to scare Then the dolphin surfaced To get a breath of air In a flash, he was back For needed help and care You see he really knew The diver had more to share Dolphins always seem to smile This one was on a quest He wanted and needed help Found a diver at his best As the cameraman filmed The whole adventure was recorded So we could all see the wonder Be amazed and rewarded by Ginger Sizemore

[@thecherith]

Martina this must be a GREAT job that you have!! We are blessed that you do it well. Thank you!

[@onekinkstar]

I can only imagine now after a career of diving into the deep and seeing the life under water, respecting it and sharing the knowledge, that nothing will ever top this experience. What a wonder to have it on film for all eternity to prove that all humans aren't a'holes. Thank you all and thank you too Martina (camera woman) for your work there too. Stay Wet!

[@AndrasBato]

Great human action, indeed! Men must not kill dolphins! Save them all!

[@AndrasBato]

Dolphins are kind and intelligent creatures, indeed. Humans must protect them. Where are you living Corinna?

[@vlogstar7389]

what the hell the dauphin seems aware that humains can help him iv changing my thoughts about animal understanding

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Yes it is amazing how the dolphin understood we could help him!

[@lnewcomer12]

Keller Laros a wild life hero! I am sure that the dolphin you rescued will remember your kindness always. I so wish there were more people in the world like you. We should take this opportunity to educate the ignorant people who are polluting our waters and killing the wildlife. Remember the ocean is their home.

[@Katu195]

I'm like you, I simply can't stop watching it since I came upon it last Friday. I've sent to to everyone and put it on Facebook, but little feedback. To me, it's amazing. Even the music is fitting. A bonding between man and animal that will go down in history.

[@eduatienzar]

After seeing this video, one realizes that there is still hope for humankind.

[@Toqquzoguz4636]

Perfect jobe. May Allah God bless you forever for you resque the lovely dolphin ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[@tiffanymcphie4441]

I absolutely enjoyed watching this. It is a shame that a man-made item caused the dolphin so much pain/difficulty to begin with but I am so happy that his/her life was able to be saved by these amazing and caring divers. Thank you for displaying compassion for another specie's life like most people should!

[@ChrisR_68]

This is lovely, to see the dolphin come to them for help is heartwarming,then up for some air and it came back,well done the diver for taking it slowly and managing to free the line, dolphins are v.intelligent animals,why can't some people see they are like us and feel pain,they have as much right to live peacefully on Earth as much as humans :-)

[@nahasch0]

AAWWWW! Good job! (standing ovation ;) )

[@olivers.3669]

Zu der Geschichte gibt es noch eine tolle Fortsetzung: Im März 2014 hat das Team Delfin Notch erneut getroffen! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4e3e36MrLNsaLc Er scheint seine Retter wiedererkannt zu haben, er begrüßt sie und schwimmt fröhlich umher. Zudem hat er auch einige Freunde mitgebracht.

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Thank you for watching our videos. Aloha

[@olivers.3669]

And thank you for helping endangered dolphins and manta rays! You're great :-)

[@MantaRaysHawaii]

Many mahalos

[@charlottevick]

Posted to Facebook with this comment: "Intelligent beings - human or cetacean- learn from their family, experience and have to exercise judgment. In my experience, there are far more good people and dolphins in the world than bad. This dolphin took a calculated risk that may have saved its life. BRAVO to both parties in this story."

[@veniceleroy]

Thank you so very much for helping this Dolphin , it just shows how very intelligent they really are , and to think in Japan they are slaughtering them makes me cry right now. Knowing how so very smart and these creatures are .. They are so very beautiful thank you again and blessing to all who helped.

[@zairaolirios]

Protect Them please! oow!

[@ventifamily]

Could it possibly be that this particular dolphin was once, in some way, around humans? Maybe captivity at one time and then released? Either way, an excellent video and congrats on a job well done and thank you!

[@Gordao44]

It has brought me to tears. Amazing rescue! You've got thousands of friends around the world now. It was great. A big hug from Brazil.

[@Limewave]

What a beautiful thing to be able to help this dolphin. Amazing footage. Thank you so much for sharing. no wonder it's spread around the world. We will share it as well. Greetings from Sweden.

[@canbe9689]

I wrote a poem to celebrate this incredible interaction. www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dolphin-and-the-diver/

[@gerwinlegaspi7371]

I think when it was rubbing itself against the boat it was saying thank you. Based on the update all the line and hook was removed at that time and the dolphin knows it. When it came back down to get reinspected it was also saying thank you. It was probably exhausted and isn't showing the excitement like dolphins normally do, but I am certain this dolphin is grateful for all the help you gave it. Now lets hope it doesn't swim to Japan...

[@MegaClau1000]

Hi Keller, thanks a million for saving the dolphin and to share this amazing video the whole world should see this and have some consciousness of the damage they do when polluting,fishing or trashing the oceans. Bless you and your team .

[@josephinecox4729]

Such amazing trust from a wild creature and such compassion from a diver. Thank you.

[@patriciamalouf8751]

We share the planet with other intelligent creatures. Let's not destroy it for them or us.

[@asalad9666]

GO VEGAN

[@kenmccarron1702]

We have a long way to go when the inconsiderate outnumber the considerate, but every good act brings us closer. Great job and thank you for showing others what compassion in action looks like!!

[@TheFeministbitch]

Thank you so much for posting! It warms my heart when I see human beings remembering they are compassionate and loving beings!

[@Meglibelwe]

It seems as if the dolphin knows exactly that the divers would help him, as if he asks them to help. It's such a beautiful film. Thanks for sharing.

[@iammetx]

Wow! This has made me want to cry with pride and amazement at everything in this video. The trusting dolphin. The kind human. The trust, gentleness, communication between the two. Truly a touching moment and boy, has this made me all emotional now, lol.

[@omgz0mbiesrun]

Your video made me so happy! I just wanted to gather you and the dolphin in one giant hug LOL. But seriously, thank you for saving it! It's amazing how it knew you were helping and just hung out and swam around you. They are so smart!

[@IzwoldChannel]

Just cried my eyes out at the beauty of this video and the wonderful diver for his efforts, this has to be one of the most beautiful sights anyone could witness, I hop the dolphin will go on for many more years after such a traumatic time. I just loved the two little alien looking fish swimming around the pair, like two little gaurdian angels,

[@65Labrat]

If only humans where as forgiving of each other as dolphins are of us....... That dolphin suffered as a result of our inconsideration for their well being. I feel we could learn a great deal from our fellow mammal!! FORGIVENESS...... This is by far the most amazing video I have ever seen!! Dolphins are my favorite creature, and to see one actually coming to a human for help without hesitation speaks volumes!! This video deserves an award!! THANK YOUR FOR SAVING THE DOLPHIN!!!!!!!

[@sossma]

Thank you! This was a beautiful gesture and it made my day.

[@amariew2002]

Thank you for helping this beautiful animal!

[@Starbuckfsd]

This is incredible! What a beautiful story. Kudos to you and the divers reaching out (literally I might add) to help this beautiful majestic creature...

[@misgm]

This is extremely touching and adorable. I love dolphins and all animals. BRAVO, congratulations to Keller Laros for hie efforts and successful intervention and to Martina for sharing this with us! Also, thanks to the whole team.

[@corporategeeman]

Greetings from the Gold Coast, Australia, the diving community over here will be overwhelmed with this footage...well done to all the divers involved in this..great job...footage made me weep...

[@chickfromholland]

This is a real inspiration to keep collectin' fishlines when i dive!! Thank you for showing us this beautifull video with amazing music. May god bless you and the soul of your brother in law.

[@Darkc0w]

At 5:32, I can imagine the dolphin letting out a huge sigh of relief. You can see it "flexing" its fins. I love this video. Thank you for sharing.

[@tgbrendaj]

Great work!!! Outstanding!! That's one dolphin that knows that divers can help them when they are in distress. I wonder if that dolphin had another diver help him in the past. He seemed very at ease with all the divers present.