The eagle ray is on the endangered species list due to fishing and habitat destruction but this diver managed to get up close and record some quality footage.

Marine biologist, Lawrence Scheele, 25, was diving in the early hours of November 28th when he came across this very large eagle ray off the coast of Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia.

The majestic creature flew through the water with grace and elegance which provided Lawrence with a very up close and rare sighting.

The eagle rays are among the biggest rays that can be found in that area of the world but due to overfishing and habitat loss, they are on the vulnerable species list.

Lawrence said: "I’ve found the ray seems to be very comfortable with my presence only at night, during the day I can never get even remotely close.

"Unfortunately, this species is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, this is largely due to high fishing pressures & habitat loss.

"I’ve encountered this individual ray multiple times over this past year on my night snorkels as it seems to feed in the same reef patch on most nights."

ENDS