Watch: Dog vs shark standoff thrills tourists in Bahamas

The sight of a massive hammerhead shark was a rare treat for 32 travellers on a tour boat in the Bahamas this week.

But then, something stranger still: A dog dove from a nearby dock to confront the monstrous sea creature.

Tourists aboard the four-hour excursion can be heard shouting and 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!”

The dog ignored them and paddled after the 12-foot (3.7 metre) shark, which thrashed as the two animals circled each other in transparent turquoise waters near a private island in the southern Bahamas.

Then the shark swam away slowly, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd.

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 it’s the first time it was seen diving in.

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