Upon being engulfed by a whale, kayaker Adrián Simancas first noticed the slippery sensation of slime. “I had a moment of realization that I was inside the mouth of something, possibly an orca or sea monster,” the 23-year-old recounted to BBC Mundo.
As he pondered survival within the humpback whale akin to Pinocchio, the creature abruptly expelled him. Adrián and his father were kayaking through the Strait of Magellan near Chile’s Patagonian coast when he felt a force hit him from behind, pulling him under the water.
His father, Dall, captured the brief ordeal on video just meters away. “I shut my eyes, only to find myself inside the whale’s mouth when I reopened them,” Adrián shared with the BBC. “I felt a gooey texture on my face, surrounded by darkness and white.”
Contemplating his options if swallowed, Adrián thought about his next move. Within moments, he sensed a rising motion towards the surface. “I felt a bit anxious about holding my breath as I surfaced, unsure of the depth and duration underwater,” he admitted. “After a brief struggle, I emerged unharmed.”
Meanwhile, observing from a nearby kayak, Dall Simancas was astonished by the turn of events. Initially alarmed by his son’s disappearance beneath the waves, Dall witnessed the unbelievable scene unfold.
The incident, captured on camera affixed to Dall’s kayak, left Adrián astounded by the sheer size of the whale. Reflecting on his harrowing encounter, Adrián, who moved to Chile seeking a better life with his father, felt grateful for a second chance at life.
According to wildlife expert Roched Jacobson Seba, the humpback whale’s narrow throat – designed for consuming small prey – prevented the creature from swallowing large objects like kayaks. The swift expulsion of Adrián was attributed to the physical limitations of the whale’s anatomy.
Seba speculated that the whale likely engulfed Adrián inadvertently. The extraordinary experience in such a remote location prompted Adrián to contemplate his actions and embrace the unique encounter as a learning opportunity.
A recent close encounter between a humpback whale and a kayaker has served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when marine life and human activity intersect. The incident occurred when the massive mammal was feeding on a school of fish and inadvertently swept up the kayak in its path.
Marine experts have cautioned that whales, particularly humpbacks, can pose a risk to objects or individuals in the vicinity when they surface too quickly during feeding. The sheer force and momentum of these gentle giants can lead to accidental collisions or unintended interactions with nearby objects.
In light of this incident, a marine biologist emphasized the importance of exercising caution and awareness when navigating waters where whales are known to frequent. He highlighted the need to avoid using paddleboards, surfboards, or other silent vessels in areas where whales are commonly sighted, as these quiet crafts may go unnoticed by the marine behemoths.
Moreover, boats utilized for whale watching or research purposes are advised to keep their engines running at all times. The hum of the engines acts as an acoustic beacon that helps whales detect the presence of vessels in their vicinity, reducing the likelihood of surprise encounters and potential mishaps.
This cautionary tale underscores the delicate balance that must be struck between human activities and the natural behaviors of marine wildlife. As we continue to coexist with these majestic creatures, it is crucial to prioritize safety, respect, and responsible stewardship of the marine environment.
In conclusion, the harmonious cohabitation of humans and whales hinges on our ability to foster a mutual understanding and appreciation for one another’s presence in the vast expanse of the ocean. Let us heed the lessons learned from this encounter and strive to cultivate a relationship with marine life that is built on reverence, mindfulness, and above all, a profound sense of awe for the wonders of the deep blue sea.
Reporting by Luis Barrucho and Maia Davies.
