Adrián Simancas, 23, recounts his shocking brush with a humpback whale while kayaking, describing the terrifying moment he felt himself inside the whale's mouth before being spat back out unscathed. Wildlife experts explain how such encounters, while rare, can happen when whales inadvertently engulf large objects while feeding.
Kayaker's Close Encounter: Swallowed and Spat Out by Humpback Whale
Kayaker's Close Encounter: Swallowed and Spat Out by Humpback Whale
A Venezuelan kayaker recounts the surreal experience of being briefly engulfed by a humpback whale in the Strait of Magellan.
Adrián Simancas, a 23-year-old kayaker, experienced a life-altering moment recently when he found himself briefly engulfed by a humpback whale in the Strait of Magellan off Chile's coast. As he paddled alongside his father, Dall, the young man felt an unexpected force pushing him downward, which he initially feared might be some sort of sea monster.
Describing the ordeal, a slightly shaken Adrián recounted, "I felt a slimy texture brush my face," indicating he realized he was inside the whale's mouth. His experiences, momentarily reminiscent of the classic tale of Pinocchio, shifted from sheer panic to reflection. He thought about how he might survive in such an unbelievably precarious situation.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long for an escape. As he was seemingly being swallowed, Adrián felt himself rising towards the water's surface, where he emerged unharmed. His father, closely monitoring the situation from another kayak, witnessed the entire episode unfold and was initially bewildered as to Adrián's whereabouts after hearing a sudden crash.
Dall, who had attached a camera to his kayak to capture the day's adventure, later reviewed the footage and was struck by the massive presence of the whale, which he had only glimpsed as a shadow. While the experience left both men in awe, it also prompted important safety considerations regarding interactions with marine life.
Wildlife expert Roched Jacobson Seba commented on the encounter, noting that humpback whales have narrow throats incapable of swallowing large objects, suggesting that Adrián was swept up by mere accident while the whale was likely feeding. He urged caution for those venturing out on silent vessels in waters frequented by whales to help avoid such unusual encounters.
Reflecting on his experience, Adrián felt that being spat out by the whale granted him a "second chance" and inspired him to appreciate life more deeply. His extraordinary day on the water stands as both a thrilling tale and a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature.
