Five-year-old boy swims with giant whale shark

Barcroft

This stunning image shows a fearless five-year-old snorkelling with a giant whale shark.

The 40ft long beast was photographed with American Kieran Liu in the Atlantic waters off Isla Mujeres in Mexico.

Up to 100 whale sharks gather in late summer when, during a full moon, tunny fish gather to spawn.

According to the Metro, this was the first time the brave boy had swum in the open ocean. Photographer Eric Cheng said: 'Kieran was suited up first and just jumped in some 20 miles from land. He was amazing, not once did he display any fear or trepidation.'

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