A father and son paddling near the San Isidro Lighthouse in Chilean Patagonia experienced a startling encounter with a humpback whale on February 11, 2025. The whale lunged unexpectedly, appearing to swallow the son, Adrián Simancas, and his inflatable raft, but he emerged unharmed shortly after.
- Humpback whales lunge feed on fish.
- Kayaker Adrián Simancas had a close encounter.
- Whale likely mistook kayaker for prey.
- Video of incident went viral online.
- Similar encounters with whales are rare.
- Risk of such incidents is very low.
The incident highlights the occasional interactions between humans and humpback whales, particularly in regions where these marine mammals are known to feed. Humpback whales are known for their unique feeding technique called “lunge feeding,” where they rapidly open their mouths to capture schools of fish. This behavior can sometimes lead to accidental encounters with nearby kayakers or boats.
Experts like Jooke Robbins from the Center for Coastal Studies explain that humpback whales cannot swallow large objects, such as humans, due to the structure of their throats. In this case, Simancas was likely in the wrong place at the wrong time while the whale was feeding. Robbins noted that such incidents, while alarming, are not common but do happen approximately every two years.
Previous close encounters include a 2021 incident where a diver was hospitalized after being swallowed by a humpback whale but was later released. These occurrences serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining safe distances from wildlife while enjoying activities like kayaking. The viral video of Simancas’s encounter has drawn attention to the fascinating yet potentially dangerous interactions between humans and marine life.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the need for caution when engaging in outdoor activities near marine habitats. While the encounter was frightening, Simancas’s experience underscores the importance of understanding marine wildlife behavior.
