MIRI, April 19 -- Seven divers had a rare and memorable encounter with a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) while diving at Tina Reef in Bintulu waters last Thursday.

Borneo Dive Network instructor Wilson Kuan described the sighting as an "extraordinary experience", noting that whale sharks are rarely seen and are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

He said the group was on the first dive of their second day when the encounter occurred.

"Just two minutes after descending to about five metres, the divers spotted the whale shark. 

Conditions were excellent, with sea temperature at 26degC and visibility exceeding 30 metres.

"The whale shark appeared calmly, its massive body movin...