A Canadian diver has captured a rare and intimate encounter with a giant Pacific octopus off the coast of Vancouver Island, with the creature appearing to embrace her in a hug. Andrea Humphreys, a high school teacher from Campbell River, was diving in the Salish Sea with friends when the octopus approached and wrapped its tentacles around her face and camera.
Humphreys, who has completed over 675 dives, described the moment as 'amazing and inspiring'. The octopus stayed close for 40 minutes, inspecting her equipment and fiddling with her camera lights. It maintained a deep red colour throughout, indicating it was neither fearful nor aggressive.
The encounter was filmed and posted online, quickly garnering tens of thousands of views. Humphreys said the video's popularity may stem from the glimpse it offers of a connection with a creature often seen as alien. Octopuses are known for their intelligence and mimicry, but also for a tragic life cycle where females starve while caring for their eggs.
Humphreys uses her diving experiences to educate students about marine ecosystems and the threats they face from climate change and pollution. She said the encounter has deepened her appreciation for octopuses, adding that she will never eat calamari.
