This is the heartwarming moment a group of fishermen freed a whale shark that was trapped in a fishing net in Japan.

Anglers from Mitsu Ooshiki Corporation accidentally captured the 33ft (10m) sea creature as they hauled a school of tuna at the Port of Murotsu in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture.

Footage shows tuna thrashing in the water alongside the motionless filter-feeding shark inside the fishing trawler on December 3.

Workers can be seen removing the tuna to make room for the whale shark they named Jinbe before they released it back into the ocean.

In another clip, the animal can be seen with its tail tied with a rope as it splashes against the surface, eager to swim away.

The group confirmed that the whale shark was unharmed and in good health.

Whale sharks are known for their gentle nature. Despite their enormous size, they are filter feeders, mainly consuming plankton and small fish.

They are generally curious and non-aggressive toward people, often approaching divers and snorkelers without causing harm.