The rare fish - known as the harbinger of doom - usually lives at depths of between 656 and 3,280 feet (200 and 1,000 metres) but on Wednesday (July 17) tourists spotted a rare healthy specimine
The rare fish - known as the harbinger of doom - usually lives at depths of between 656 and 3,280 feet (200 and 1,000 metres).
The only times they are usually spotted are after they have been washed up on a beach following a storm or when they have suffered an injury. It is very rare to see one of the massive creatures swimming alive and well in shallow water.
When they do make an appearance it is typically considered bad luck by locals, who traditionally see it as a sign that disaster is about to strike.
So it was a mixed blessing when the astonished tourists encountered the live oarfish in shallow waters off the Mexican coast on Wednesday (July 17).
Just one day later on the afternoon of Thursday (July 18) an earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale was reported by the National Seismological Service (SSN).
The video clip shows onlookers gasping as the long sea creature swims past the tourist boat while people capture images of the massive fish on their phones.
Before disappearing from view the oarfish suddenly turns around and swims past the vessel's bow. The incredible footage was filmed by a tour guide with the excursion company Pita's Tour based in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
A spokesperson said: "It was an incredible experience!" Due to their size and shape, oarfish resemble 'sea serpents' and can measure up to 55 feet (16.7m) in length and weigh over 440 lbs (200kg).
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