Whale Engulfs Diver in Dramatic Encounter Before Spitting Him Out Off the Coast

A humpback whale swallowed a kayaker in southern Chile on February 17, 2025, before spitting him out unharmed. The incident occurred off the coast of Punta Arenas, where 24-year-old Adrian Simancas was paddling when the whale surged out of the water, engulfing him and his kayak.

Simancas surfaced five seconds later, stunned but safe, as the whale’s dorsal fin reappeared nearby. His father, Dell Simancas, captured the entire event on video, which quickly went viral on social media.

The incident took place while Adrian Simancas was kayaking in the Patagonian waters. As he paddled, the whale, likely feeding on krill or fish, emerged with its mouth open and inadvertently engulfed him and his kayak. Experts noted that humpback whales have small throats, making it impossible for them to swallow a human.

Key details of the event include:

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Location: Punta Arenas, Chile
• Participant: Adrian Simancas, 24 years old

Simancas described the moment he was swallowed, stating he saw something blue and white pass close to him before he sank. His father, who witnessed the event, expressed his fear when he momentarily lost sight of Adrian. Fortunately, Adrian resurfaced shortly after, unharmed.

Marine biologist Maria Jose Perez explained that such occurrences are rare, especially with silent vessels like kayaks. The whale likely did not notice the small boat, leading to the unusual encounter. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in marine environments.

The remarkable event highlights both the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety while kayaking. Adrian Simancas’s experience serves as a cautionary tale and an extraordinary story of survival in the face of an unusual marine encounter.