A few days a ago I was told three whale sharks had been spotted just off Koh Lanta – a mother with its baby close in tow and another one seenshortly after. Instantly I was jealous, as seeing the biggest – and one of the most beautiful – fish in the world is many people’s dream.

Today (March 1st 2011) I was very lucky to have an encounter with the gentle giant -but for the wrong reasons. One pf the whale sharks was found floating upside down around 4 miles off Koh Lanta. The marine park asked a local fisherman to bring the bloated whale shark back to Koh Lanta.

They brought it back slowly behind the boat and placed it near to the beach. After they also turned it over the correct way. This is where I had the best experience with a whale shark ever – and also the saddest close encounter ever.

It is said they brought the whale shark back to help it, but also do tests on it, as it’s the second one found in the area within a week. The other one was dead already. The doctors arrived from Phuket and have given this shark a 10% chance of living. Some of the marine park officials are slowly pushing it along letting the water filter through its gills.

If you look the photos and videos it is a shame but there are many cuts, bruises and lacerations all over the whale shark’s body. My only guess could it be a fishing boat trawling, but that is only a guess.

UPDATE: There were hopes the whale shark was going to make a recovery, but sadly it died during an attempt to return to the ocean. Follow the links to read more.