Humpback Whale Engulfs Kayaker in Chile, Then Spits Him Out Safely

Chile – In a heart-stopping moment off the coast of Chile, a 24-year-old kayaker was briefly engulfed by a massive humpback whale before being miraculously released unharmed. The extraordinary event, which took place near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan, was captured on video by the kayaker’s father.

Adrian Simancas was kayaking alongside his father, Dell, in Bahia El Aguila, Chile, when the unexpected encounter occurred. A video shared on social media shows the whale suddenly breaching the water, engulfing Adrian and his yellow kayak before spitting him back out within seconds.

Terrifying Moments Captured on Camera

Dell, who was recording their adventure from a separate kayak, initially mistook the approaching movement for "pretty waves." The video shows the tense moment when Adrian is pulled underwater, followed by Dell's immediate attempts to calm his son once the whale releases him. In the footage, he can be heard reassuring Adrian, saying, "Stay calm, stay calm."

'I Thought I Was Going to Die'

Recounting the harrowing experience to CNN, Adrian described the surreal moment when he felt a slimy texture on his face before being submerged. He recalled seeing dark blue and white colors rushing toward him before suddenly being pulled underwater.

"I thought it had already eaten me and swallowed me," Adrian admitted. However, within moments, he felt his life vest pulling him back to the surface, realizing that he had survived the encounter.

Safe Return to Shore

Once Adrian resurfaced, his immediate concern was his father's safety and the potential risk of hypothermia. Fortunately, both father and son managed to paddle back to shore without injuries.

Despite the near-death experience, when asked if they would go kayaking again, both Adrian and Dell responded without hesitation: "Of course."

Similar Incidents in the Past

This is not the first time such an event has been reported. In November 2020, a humpback whale off the coast of California nearly swallowed two kayakers who were observing the marine mammals feeding. The whale accidentally surfaced beneath their kayak, capsizing it and briefly engulfing them before they managed to escape unharmed.

Experts emphasize that while whales do not intentionally target humans, unexpected encounters like these highlight the sheer unpredictability of nature. Marine authorities urge kayakers and boaters to maintain a safe distance when observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.