Grey Seal ‘Shakes’ Diver’s Hand Off England's Northern Coast

Underwater cameraman Ben Burville captured the moment a grey seal engaged in play and used her front flipper to “shake” his hand while diving in the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland, England.

Burville told Storyful the seal responded to his hand holding her flipper with a reciprocal squeeze and was also interested in his neoprene dive hood. He captured the playful interaction in a video that was taken at the end of October.

Burville works as a doctor in the coastal town of Amble, Northumberland. His work has been especially difficult due to the global pandemic and he finds diving is a great stress reliever.

“Time outdoors and with nature is highly beneficial for mental health,” said Burville. Credit: Ben Burville via Storyful