A rare whale shark was recently spotted near Charna Island, close to Karachi. The sighting occurred during a diving session organized by the Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA).
Charna Island, located near Mubarak Goth in Kiamari Town, is known for its rich marine life, with depths ranging from 20 to 60 feet.
During the diving trip at Charna Island, Manan Sheikh and his friends Faazil Tapal, Rayan Maker, Arslan Khan, and Mikaeel Ali Habib had an unforgettable experience, swimming alongside the gentle giant for nearly 20 minutes, according to a statement from PBRFA.
With an estimated global population of just 150,000, this encounter underscores the importance of marine conservation. The PBRFA noted that whale sharks and whales frequently visit the region, especially in winter or after the monsoon season, when minerals from the mountains are washed into the sea by the Hub River, enriching the waters.
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world and possibly the largest to have ever existed, are commonly found in warm tropical waters worldwide, where they often cruise near the ocean’s surface in search of food, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
