A diver was able to swim right next to a ‘peaceful’ 800kg animal that inspired stories of mermaids.

Pensioner Rene Vagnotti was snorkelling off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, when he saw a dugong swimming nearby.

Stunning footage shows the 71-year-old paddling next to the marine mammal who calmly carries on its way before diving to the sea floor.

Dugongs – which are classified as a vulnerable to extinction - are believed to be the inspiration for stories of mermaids and sirens due to their whale-like tail.

Rene said: “The dugong was very impressive. Despite him being very peaceful we had to ensure we must not stay in front of him otherwise he would not hesitate to tumble us.

“I was alone and came snorkelling from the shore. It would have been about 3.50metres long and weighed about 800kg.”