Underwatertimes.com News Service - February 9, 2006 18:44 EST
killer whale

A diving instructor has recorded what may be the first ever images of killer whales interacting with humans in Argentina.

Gabriel Hermida was on a boat taking new divers out for their first ever dive off the Argentinean coast when a family of five killer whales approached them.

Carrying a camera Gabriel threw caution to the wind and dived right into the water swimming alongside the sea creatures.

He said afterwards that he was amazed how relaxed the animals were being so close to humans.

"They approached, they were very receptive because normally it's not a receptive animal that comes and approaches people," he said.

"So when they approached, I couldn't resist the temptation and I threw myself into the water.

"I didn't even think about it. I think that if I had thought about it, I wouldn't have thrown myself into the water

"But the adrenaline and how beautiful it was - words can't describe it."