Humpback whale swallows kayaker Chile - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The incident took place off the coast of Chile near the city of Puerto Cisnes.
- 2. The kayaker, identified as 56-year-old Luka Tom, was participating in a group kayaking tour when the humpback whale approached him.
- 3. The whale, estimated to be around 40 feet long, opened its mouth and engulfed the kayaker along with his kayak.
- 4. Luckily, the whale quickly realized its mistake and spat out the kayaker unharmed.
- 5. Luka Tom described the experience as "a beautiful moment" and said he never felt threatened during the encounter.
- 6. The tour group was in awe of the rare and unique experience, with some members capturing the incident on camera.
- 7. Humpback whales are known to be filter feeders, meaning they consume large amounts of water and filter out small fish and plankton through their baleen plates.
- 8. While accidental encounters with humpback whales are rare, they are generally considered to be gentle giants and not a threat to humans.
- 9. The incident has gained international attention and sparked discussions about the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance while observing marine animals.
- 10. Luka Tom has expressed gratitude for the incredible experience and hopes that it will raise awareness about the beauty and vulnerability of marine life.