A diver rescued hundreds of starfish and crabs that were trapped inside an abandoned fishing net.

Whilst diving near Belcarra, British Columbia, Clayton Helkenberg discovered a ghost net under a dock that was filled with marine life.

He quickly sprung into action and cut open the net, setting free the trapped starfish and crabs.

Helkenberg said: "While diving in my local waterways Clayton Helkenberg cleans up trash scattered along the bottom.

"In this case, a discarded net also known as a ghost net was found under a dock with hundreds of starfish trapped inside.

"Without being removed these starfish and crabs would be trapped and eventually die as there is no way out for them."

This footage was filmed on April 13.

While diving in my local waterways Clayton Helkenberg cleans up trash scattered along the bottom. In this case a discarded net also known as a ghost net was found under a dock with hundreds of starfish trapped inside. Without being removed these starfish and crabs would be trapped and eventually die as there is no way out for them.