Kayaker gets swallowed by humpback whale off Chilean coast: Watch
A humpback whale made headlines last week after swallowing a man on a kayak off the coast of Chile. The incident occurred in Bahía El Águila near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan, off Chilean Patagonia. Video footage captured the terrifying moment when the whale rolled on the surface with its mouth open, engulfing the kayaker, Adrián Simancas, in its jaws.
Fortunately, Adrián was able to quickly escape from the whale’s mouth unharmed. His father, Dell, who was kayaking with him, captured the dramatic encounter on video and can be heard encouraging his son to stay calm as the whale submerged back into the depths of the ocean.
Adrián described the ordeal as a few seconds of sheer terror, fearing for his life as he resurfaced from the whale’s mouth. He expressed concern for his father’s safety and the possibility of hypothermia in the cold waters. However, both father and son managed to return to shore without any injuries.
The Strait of Magellan, a popular tourist destination in Chilean Patagonia, is known for its adventurous activities. While whale attacks on humans are rare in Chilean waters, incidents of whale deaths from ship collisions have been on the rise in recent years. Additionally, whale strandings have become a recurring issue in the area.
Overall, this harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, even in popular tourist spots. It also highlights the importance of respecting marine life and being cautious when engaging in water activities in their habitats.
