Humpback whale swallows and spits out kayaker in incident captured on camera
CNNFeb 14
The Facts
A humpback whale briefly engulfed Adrian Simancas, a 24-year-old kayaker, for approximately three seconds during a kayaking expedition in Chile's Strait of Magellan over the weekend.
The incident occurred near the San Isidro lighthouse in Baha El Guila. Adrian described feeling a "slimy texture" and seeing "colors like dark blue, white" before being pulled under.
Video footage filmed by his father, Dell Simancas, captured the dramatic moment. "I thought I was dead," Adrián later said, "I thought it had eaten me, that it had swallowed me."
The Spin
Narrative A
The incident highlights the serious risks associated with close proximity whale watching activities, as even unintentional encounters can result in life-threatening situations. The frigid waters of the Strait of Magellan pose additional dangers to adventurers, with the severe risk of hypothermia. These waters demand respect and adequate safety measures for all maritime activities.
Narrative B
The Strait of Magellan remains a premier destination for nature enthusiasts seeking unique wildlife encounters. Kayaking with whales offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, contributing significantly to local tourism and environmental awareness. The rarity of whale attacks demonstrates that responsible whale watching can be conducted safely.
