A Filipino fisherman got more than he bargained for during a routine outing when a live octopus latched onto his face and refused to let go.
The dramatic video, filmed July 10, 2026, near Puerto Princesa Island in the Philippines, shows the man seated in a small outrigger boat on open turquoise water under clear skies. Wearing a long-sleeve purple shirt, shorts, and red gloves, he frantically pulls and twists at the octopus as its tentacles wrap tightly around his head and face.
The fisherman can be seen yanking at the creature with both hands, at one point grabbing a wooden pole for leverage while the octopus clings stubbornly. Water drips from his clothes and the thrashing animal as the boat rocks. After a prolonged struggle lasting more than 30 seconds, he manages to pry most of it free, though tentacles continue to grab at him.
The footage, which has circulated widely online and was highlighted by ABC News, captures the intense physical effort required to free himself. No serious injuries appear in the clip, and the man continues to handle the octopus once it is partially detached.
Encounters like this underscore the unpredictable realities faced by small-scale fishermen working in tropical waters, where octopuses can react defensively when disturbed or caught. The video serves as a vivid reminder that the sea doesn’t always cooperate with those who make their living from it.
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