The crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, a backdrop of idyllic Seychelles scenery, and a hunky Italian model – these ingredients set the stage for an unexpected encounter that quickly went viral. Federico Cola, a Milan-based influencer, was enjoying a New Year’s Day dip when an octopus, seemingly out of nowhere, launched itself at him, its eight arms enveloping Cola’s leg and pulling him underwater. The initial shock and struggle are captured on video, with Cola momentarily panicking as he’s dragged backwards, his legs flailing above the surface. This sudden, surprising interaction between man and cephalopod sets the tone for a narrative that oscillates between apprehension and amusement.
The video captures the dramatic sequence of events, highlighting the octopus’s tenacity. After the initial ambush, Cola, regaining composure, manages to detach the creature and hoist it aloft, revealing sucker marks on his arm – a testament to the octopus’s grip. Instead of succumbing to fear or retaliating, Cola’s reaction takes an unexpected turn. He decides to forge a connection with his marine assailant, carrying it out of the water and onto the beach. This shift from apprehension to amicable interaction becomes the core of the story’s appeal, showcasing a surprising interspecies connection.
What follows is a series of playful exchanges between man and octopus, documented in a follow-up video shared with Cola’s substantial Instagram following. He splashes water on the cephalopod, allows it to crawl onto his back, and even lets it explore his head, its tentacles draped around his face. The octopus, in turn, reciprocates the playful energy, squirting water while being held near the surface. The unusual interaction is captured in a series of short clips, culminating in one where the octopus seemingly serves as a living backpack, slowly ascending Cola’s torso. This unconventional bond, forged after a startling encounter, quickly captivated online audiences.
The Instagram post, captioned with a whimsical description of finding love in the ocean, quickly amassed over a million likes, propelling the encounter into viral territory. The comments section became a forum for expressing a spectrum of reactions, from awe and amusement to genuine concern. Some users praised Cola’s bravery, contrasting his calm response with their own imagined reactions of panic and flight. Others inquired about the potential dangers of octopus bites, highlighting the inherent anxieties associated with close encounters with wildlife.
Amidst the expressions of surprise and fear, a significant portion of the commentary focused on the blossoming friendship between the model and the octopus. Many users lauded the unexpected bond, describing it as the “cutest ocean friendship ever.” The tender way Cola handled the octopus, reminiscent of cradling a baby, drew particular admiration. This narrative of unexpected connection resonated deeply with viewers, transforming the initial narrative of a startling attack into a heartwarming tale of interspecies interaction.
This incident involving Federico Cola and the Seychelles octopus recalls other unexpected human-animal encounters. One such incident involved Lance Karlson, who documented a terrifying experience with an aggressive octopus in Geographe Bay, Australia. While walking with his daughter, Karlson witnessed the octopus attacking a seagull before turning its attention towards him, wrapping its tentacles around his neck. This contrasting narrative underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and highlights the spectrum of possible responses, ranging from Cola’s playful interaction to Karlson’s understandable fear. These stories, captured and disseminated through social media, offer glimpses into the complex and often surprising relationships between humans and the natural world.
