Japanese scientists reported today that the gigantic creature often thought to be the beast responsible for stories of the legendary “Kraken” has been filmed in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. This marks the first time ever that the extremely elusive Giant Squid has been filmed in it’s natural environment.
After over 400 hours and 100 missions, researchers from Japan’s National Science Museum in a partnership with National Georgraphic and Asian broadcaster NKH, the three-man crew was finally able to find the creature some nine miles off the coast of Chichi Island in the north Pacific.
“It was shining and so beautiful,” Kubodera told AFP. “I was so thrilled when I saw it first hand, but I was confident we would because we rigorously researched the areas we might find it, based on past data.”
The find comes at a depth of the ocean that exerts enormous pressure and gives little oxygen. In other words, it’s not the most hospitable place under the sea – the perfect hiding spot for a legendary creature with only two successful sightings (2006, 2012) until now.
“Researchers around the world have tried to film giant squid in their natural habitats, but all attempts were in vain before. With this footage we hope to discover more about the life of the species.”
The Nordic tales of the mythical Kraken are believed to be derived from the earliest sightings of the Giant Squid, or Architeuthis to scientists. The creatures were said to mercilessly attack ships, curling it’s arms around them and dragging the boats to the bottom of the ocean, sucking the fleeing sailing into the whirlpools left in it’s wake.
They might have been exaggerating just a little.
The Discovery Channel is expected to air special documentaries featuring the find later this month.
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