It’s behind you! Terrifying giant shark swims up to Cornwall surfer

The monster basking shark – which are not a threat to humans – dwarfed the pair as it investigated them when they were on their paddle boards at Porthcurno

This jaw-dropping photo shows a 22ft basking shark within reach of a pair of surfer lifeguards on a Cornish beach.

The monster fish – which are not a threat to humans – dwarfed the pair as it investigated them when they were on their paddle boards at Porthcurno.

It was part of a group of four basking sharks gently feeding on plankton just yards from shore.

The lucky lifeguards were afforded a privileged view of the gentle giants swimming just feet from.

The incredible encounter was snapped by Rachel Hosken from the clifftop Minack Theatre.

Earlier this week visitors to a beauty spot beach were treated to a rare spectacle on Tuesday when a giant shark appeared just yards from shore.

The group of five basking sharks at Porthcurno, Cornwall, included one over 21 feet long which was feeding within a few feet of beachgoers.

Photographer Rachel Hosken saw the special display from a vantage point at the nearby Minack Theatre.

She said: “It was stunning – really exciting to see. There were some people on the beach who had a close up view.

“They didn’t bother the sharks though. It’s fantastic to see them again.”