Rafter is briefly ‘swallowed’ by whale in Chile, as his father films
In a remarkable incident off the coast of Chilean Patagonia, a young man named Adrián Simancas experienced a close encounter with a humpback whale while packrafting with his father. The event unfolded near the San Isidro Lighthouse and Bahía El Águila, where the duo had embarked on a four-day adventure. What began as a thrilling outdoor activity quickly turned into a surreal moment when a massive whale lunged from the depths, seemingly engulfing Simancas. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed, but the experience left him with a story that few can claim.
A Surprising Encounter with Nature
Adrián Simancas, 23, and his father, Dell, 49, were enjoying their packrafting trip when the unexpected happened. As they navigated the choppy waters, a humpback whale breached the surface, its mouth wide open. In a split second, Simancas felt a powerful force hit him from behind. “I felt something hit me from behind — all this happened in a second,” he recounted. The sensation of being enveloped by something large and slimy was overwhelming. He instinctively closed his eyes, bracing for impact, only to find himself submerged in water.
Dell Simancas, who is an anesthetist, captured the entire incident on video. He recalled hearing a loud sound, similar to a wave crashing, just before his son disappeared from view. Panic set in as he searched for Adrián, only to see him reemerge moments later, along with the whale. “Stay calm, stay calm,” he urged his son, demonstrating remarkable composure in a frightening situation. Adrián, who had never encountered a whale before, managed to remain calm, thanks in part to his father’s guidance.
Experts believe that such encounters between humans and whales are extremely rare. While Adrián described being “swallowed,” scientists clarify that humpback whales are filter feeders. They primarily consume small fish and krill, making it impossible for them to swallow a person. Jooke Robbins, director of the Humpback Whale Studies Program, suggested that the whale was likely just as surprised by the encounter as Simancas was. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of maintaining a safe distance from marine animals.
Chile’s Ministry of the Environment has labeled the event as “very unusual,” urging the public to keep a safe distance from marine life to avoid accidents. The country’s fisheries service, Sernapesca, echoed this sentiment, warning that individuals could face fines for disturbing whales or getting too close. Soledad Tapia, the national director of Sernapesca, emphasized the need for respectful behavior towards marine animals, especially in regions like the Strait of Magellan, where such incidents have never been documented before.
Despite the shock of the experience, Adrián Simancas expressed no resentment towards the whale. “If it happens again, I hope it isn’t quite so close up,” he remarked, showcasing a sense of wonder and respect for the majestic creature. This encounter not only highlights the beauty of nature but also serves as a cautionary tale for adventurers exploring the waters where these magnificent animals reside.
