A rare sea creature “bigger than a human child” left a woman stunned after it washed up injured on a beach.
Ali Paulus immediately took pictures of the body of the incredible creature, which showed the tangled tentacles and large size of the cephalopod, which measured around 2.2 metres long without its arms extended.
The squid appeared to have suffered an injury, with a gash above its tentacle, which Ali guessed could have been caused by a boat propeller.
Giant squids are one of the most elusive creatures on the planet, living at depths between 300-1,000 metres and very rarely are seen coming to the surface.
Sightings in the region are rare, with the last known coming in Cape Town in 2020, when a baby giant squid washed up on a beach.
The huge sea beast was said to have been bigger than a human child and left people feeling stunned and in awe at the find.
The huge squid was found on Long Beach in Kommetjie, South Africa at 7am on Saturday, April 30, by the local woman.
Sharing the unique shots on social media platform Instagram, Ali said: “Giant Squid – Long Beach Kommetjie. Seems there is not too much known about these creatures. Limited consensus over the number of species.
“Estimates of species across the genus vary. At least three distinct species exist, but there could be many more. The global distribution is wide and consistent with this sighting.
“Looks like this poor guy got taken out by a propeller.”
Many people were quick to comment on the incredible find.
One person commented: “Incredible find but very sad for such an amazing animal. Lovely photos as always.”
“Wow. This is incredible. Sad for the Squid,” said another user.
Someone else said: “Oh my word what a sighting. Poor
