Jaws v Paws! Astonishing moment a shark is attacked by a DOG that dives into the water in front of screaming British and US tourists during Bahamas boat trip and gets the best of a 12ft hammerhead
Footage of the unexpected encounter was captured by a tourist on a boat
Tourists first saw the hammerhead swim under the bow, before the dog leapt in
This is the astonishing moment a shark was attacked by a dog which fearlessly dived into the sea in front of screaming tourists on a Bahamas boat trip.
Fearing the worst, the British and American visitors screamed and shouted as the dog leapt at the dark shape of the 12-foot hammerhead circling in the waters below.
But despite the huge size difference between the small pup and the sea beast, the dog got the better of the shark, seemingly scaring it off back out into the ocean.
Footage of the unexpected battle was captured by one of the tourists on the boat last week, near a private island in the southern Bahamas.
The sight of the massive hammerhead shark was already a rare treat for the 32 travellers on board. But then, they witnessed something stranger still when the dog jumped from a nearby dock to confront the monstrous sea creature.
Tourists aboard the four-hour excursion can be heard pleading with the dog to turn back, in a video circulating on social media.
'Oh my god!' and 'Get out baby!' and 'Stop going after it!' they are heard shouting.
The dog ignored their warnings and paddled after the 12-foot shark, which thrashed as the two animals circled each other in the stunning transparent turquoise waters.
Then the shark swam away slowly, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd.
'I don't think the shark is going to mess with him!' exclaimed one man.
The shark had emerged from under the boat during a tour Wednesday in the southern Bahamas organized by Exuma Water Sports.
Company reservations manager Rebecca Lightbourn told The Associated Press on Friday that the black-and-tan dog always runs along the shore to greet the boat when it passes that island. But its the first time it was seen diving in.
'I guess this time the dog decided he wanted to protect his house or play with a really big fish in the water, so he went after it,' Lightbourn said.
Speaking to Today, Lightbourn said the dog - nicknamed 'Rufus' - was a Bahamian Potcake, and belongs to a caretaker on the private island.
The boat then headed to a popular area where tourists jump into the water with the renowned Bahamian swimming pigs.
