The famous model was attacked by an octopus while swimming in the sea.

The encounter with an octopus that Italian model Federico Cola experienced during his vacation in the Seychelles garnered significant attention on social media. The influencer, who lives in Milan, was suddenly attacked by an octopus while walking in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

In the footage, the octopus wraps its eight arms around Cola's leg and pulls him underwater. Cola initially panics, falling backward and flailing his arms. As the sea creature continues to pull his leg, Cola's legs rise into the air. However, the model soon regains control of the situation and pushes the octopus away from his body.

Interestingly, Cola decided to befriend the octopus after this unexpected encounter. In follow-up footage shared with his 135,000 Instagram followers, he brings the octopus to the shore and plays with it. The octopus climbs onto Cola's back and even wraps its arms around his head. Cola splashes water at the octopus, enjoying playful moments.

Commenters on the video, which was shot on New Year's Day and received over 1.1 million likes, praised Cola's bravery. One user wrote, "If I felt something sticking to my leg underwater, I would die. I would scream, try to run away, and faint. It's amazing that this guy is so brave and calm, enjoying the interaction."

Cola captioned his post, "What a magical surprise for the New Year. I found my love (actually, it found me)."

Meanwhile, 34-year-old Lance Karlson, who experienced a similar incident in Australia in the past, had a less fortunate encounter. While walking with his two-year-old daughter near the Ramada Resort in Geographe Bay, Karlson faced an angry octopus that first attacked a seagull and then wrapped itself around his neck.