This is the dramatic moment a goliath grouper fish splashed fishermen as it tried to escape.

Jumme Maravillas and his colleagues caught the massive reef fish off the coast of Taytay in Palawan, the Philippines.

Footage shows the sea creature lying motionless on the water's surface with a rope wrapped around its gills on June 21.

Moments later, it attempted to break free by flicking its tail repeatedly, thrashing the water before diving under the nearby boat.

The anglers can be heard laughing in the background as it tries to flee.

Jumme said: 'After what happened, we hoisted it up and managed to put it on our boat before heading back to shore.'

Goliath groupers are among the largest reef-dwelling fish found in Philippine waters. These slow-moving giants can weigh over 300 kg and are often spotted near coral reefs and wrecks.