Two kayakers in California were left awe-struck after a hair-raising whale-watching experience, as an enormous humpback whale appeared to capsize their boat and nearly engulf them.
According to Liz Cottriel and Julie McSorley, who shared their account with the Fresno-area Fox affiliate, the incident occurred during a seemingly serene morning near Avila Beach, where they were observing whales from a safe distance of approximately 30 feet (9.14 meters).
However, the tranquillity abruptly shattered when a massive group of fish suddenly emerged, attracting the attention of the humpback whale.
‘I witnessed the immense pool of fish, the substantial bait ball breaking the water’s surface. Then I saw the whale ascend… and I thought, ‘Oh no! It’s way too close,” recalled McSorley during her interview with the news station. “In an instant, I was lifted up and found myself immersed in the water.’
Cottriel also shared her thoughts in the midst of the intense encounter, saying, ‘I had this unusual notion that I needed to push, to somehow move the whale aside! It was a surreal thought. At that moment, I believed I was done for. I genuinely thought the whale was about to collide with me.’
Fortunately, the women resurfaced, and within a short span of time, other kayakers and paddleboarders rushed to their aid, ensuring that the whale had not harmed them, as reported by the news station. McSorley managed to capture the incident on her mobile phone, and the video quickly went viral.
After paddling back to shore, the kayakers were relieved to find themselves unharmed, although McSorley’s car keys were unfortunately lost during the ordeal, according to the report.
Watch the encounter filmed November 2020 below:
