A humpback whale briefly swallows kayaker — and it’s all captured on camera

A kayaker in Chilean Patagonia had a terrifying but brief encounter with a humpback whale that momentarily swallowed him before releasing him unharmed. The incident, which occurred last Saturday in Bahía El Águila near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan, was caught on camera by the kayaker’s father, Dell Simancas.

Adrián Simancas was kayaking when the massive whale surfaced, engulfing him and his kayak for a few seconds. His father, who was nearby, captured the shocking moment while reassuring his son to stay calm. After being released, Adrián initially feared for his life and worried about his father’s safety in the frigid waters.

Despite the ordeal, both father and son returned to shore uninjured. The Strait of Magellan, a popular adventure tourism destination, is known for its cold waters, with temperatures rarely exceeding 68°F (20°C) even in summer. While whale attacks on humans are rare in Chilean waters, collisions between whales and cargo ships have been increasing. The incident highlights both the awe-inspiring and unpredictable nature of Patagonia’s marine wildlife.

Source: AP News