A group of Vietnamese fishermen said they were surprised when their nets snared a massive oarfish measuring more than 12 feet long.

Xuan Quy and Thanh Hoa said they were out fishing with a friend Tuesday off the coast of Thanh Hoa Province when they pulled in their nets and discovered they had ensnared an oarfish measuring about 12 feet, 9 inches long.

The fishermen said it was the first time they have caught an oarfish.

They said it is rare to encounter oarfish because they generally live in deeper waters than their fishing nets can reach, reports the PUI.