SEMPORNA: An unusual encounter with a rare shortfin mako shark (pic) at Pulau Mabul provided an interesting year-end experience for Sylvian Kok and her friends.

       The shark was sighted swimming beside the tourist boat that she and her friends were in near the Mabul Water Bungalows in Sabah’s popular diving paradise of Semporna.

       The shark was recorded feeding on the carcass of a billfish in the shallows and swimming alongside their boat – making it a memorable experience for all involved, as the species usually prefers the open ocean.

       Kok’s video of the encounter was uploaded onto social media platforms - with many sharing her excitement, as the video has since gone viral.

       Scuba Junkie SEAS Conservation director Cat McCann said the shark was identified as a shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), on the basis of the size of the pectoral fins on the side of the body and the shape of the snout.

       McCann, in the statement released by Sabah Shark and Ray Initiative, said it was amazing for the close-up encounter as the species is known to jump up to five metres and can achieve speeds of more than 70kph over short periods.

       The sighting is yet another sign of the incredible marine biodiversity found in Sabah, particularly in the Semporna region.