A humpback whale briefly swallowed kayaker Adrián Simancas off the southern coast of Chile last Saturday, before quickly releasing him unharmed, creating shockwaves across social media.
This unusual encounter occurred near Bahía El Águila, close to the San Isidro Lighthouse within the Strait of Magellan, as Adrián was kayaking with his father, Dell Simancas. The moment was captured on video by Dell, who encouraged his son to stay calm as the enormous creature engulfed him and his bright yellow kayak for several seconds.
After resurfacing, Adrián expressed his disbelief, stating, "I thought I was dead. It was like three strange seconds down there." He conveyed the terror of the experience, sharing how his heart raced as he grappled not only with his own fate but the worry of what might happen to his father who was just meters away.
Upon witnessing the event, Dell can be heard reassuring his son, saying, "Stay calm, stay calm," even as anxiety surged within him. Both remained focused, with Dell filming the incident and encouraging Adrián to reach for the kayak after he was released.
Following the brief but alarming encounter, Adrián swam back to his father’s kayak, shaking from fear yet physically unscathed. The two managed to return safely to shore, shaken but evidently uninjured.
Adrián later recounted the sensations he experienced when the whale enveloped him. “When I turned around, I felt on my face like a slimy texture; I saw colors like dark blue, white, something approaching from behind,” he shared with CNN en Español. His vivid description painted the picture of pure confusion and fear as he grappled with the unexpected moment.
The situation has sparked discussions on marine life behavior, particularly the feeding habits of humpback whales. Typically, humpback whales primarily consume krill and small fish and are known to be gentle giants, often seen breaching the water’s surface. Such encounters with humans are exceedingly rare, yet the incident sheds light on the ecological and behavioral patterns of wildlife.
According to reports, whale attacks on humans rarely happen here, but incidents of whales colliding with cargo ships have been rising. These occurrences are worrying environmentalists, as the increasing maritime activity threatens these magnificent creatures.
Despite the terrifying experience, both father and son stated they would not shy away from kayaking again. “Of course,” both said excitedly when asked if they would return to the water.
The video of the encounter went viral shortly after being shared. It captures not only the drama of the moment but also highlights the breathtaking beauty and unpredictability of nature, particularly within the scenic and often chilly waters of the Strait of Magellan.
Located approximately 1,600 miles south of Santiago, the Strait is renowned for its stunning vistas and diverse flora and fauna, attracting adventurers eager to kayak alongside dolphins and humpback whales. Visitors are regularly warned about the region's frigid waters, with temperatures hovering around 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) even during the summer months.
The incident serves as both a reminder of the marvels of marine life and the importance of respecting their habitats, holding lessons for those who venture out to explore the natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia. Adventure seekers seeking to encounter the countries' majestic wildlife can take away much from such unexpected experiences, as they navigate the thin line between exploration and unpredictability within nature.