A sea creature “bigger than a human child” left a woman standing after it washed up on a beach.

Ali Paulus immediately took photographs of the creature’s body, showing the pointed tentacles and large size of the cephalopod, which measured around 2.2 meters long without its arms extended.

The squid appeared to have suffered a cut, with a gash above its tentacle, which Ali assumed could have been caused by a boat propeller.

Residing at depths between 300 and 1,000 meters, giant squids stand out as one of the most elusive creatures on the planet and rarely appear near the surface.

Giant squid are one of the most elusive creatures on the planet

Sightings in the region are numerous, and the last known one occurred in Cape Town in 2020, when a giant squid appeared on a beach.

The huge sea monster was said to be bigger than a human child and left people shocked and amazed by the find.

The huge squid was found on Long Beach in Kommetjie, South Africa, at 7am on Saturday, April 30, by a local woman.

The squid seemed to have suffered an attack.

Sharing the photos on social platform Instagram, Ali said: “Giant squid – Long Beach Kommetjie. It seems like not much is known about these creatures. There was limited consensus on the number of species.

“Species estimates for the entire genus vary. There are at least three different species, but there could be many more. The global distribution is broad and consistent with this sighting.

Ali was surprised to find the giant squid on the beach that morning.

“It looks like this type of wood was taken out by a propeller.”

Many people were quick to comment on the strange find.

One person commented: “This is a very sad find for such an incredible animal. Beautiful photos as always.”

“Wow. This is unexpected. What a shame for the Squid,” said another user.

Someone else said: “OMG what a sighting. rog