Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Ok, we understand that the 2003 specimen was live when *caught*; there was video also, except it wasn't the sort of thing that could be broadcast; knives, handles, long things, you name it were all speared into the squid in order to get it aboard ... but despite all of this action (all filmed from the deck, but looking at the backs of heads ... nothing of the squid) by someone using some of the most vile language (unrepeatable) I've ever heard, THERE IS NOT ONE SHOT OF THE SQUID WHILST LIVE!! We saw the video whilst in Napier - a brother (or other such relative) of one of the guys on the boat at the time had a copy of it.
When the specimen was first brought to our attention it was relayed to us that it was live, and that it was actually one of two squid that were caught by this vessel in 2003 (only one of which was saved). Unfortunately there was a huge stink ... you wouldn't believe it ... when we reported that animal to the press (politics), and after this time there has been no further information relayed to us about it. So, all we have to go on is:
1) it was alive, and
2) it was one of two specimens caught that season.
The eyes must have been destroyed during retrieval (they had been torn off/out); given the treatment of the specimen at the time it was caught this doesn't surprise me in the least. Usually when a squid is retrieved in a net the eyes will be damaged, but not torn off or out, which makes me think that they are incredibly large and quite protruding (hence delicate) in this species, much like they are in a number of other cranchiid genera (and in these genera with protruding, large eyes, they are frequently ripped off by the trawl).
Given the number of sightings of Mesonychoteuthis of late (given our ever-expanding encroachment [fisheries] into Antarctic waters) it is only a matter of time before the animal is either caught live (on film), or a good-quality specimen is captured. I think I would be happier to see imagery of the live animal - we don't need another specimen.
Hope that helps
O