Kayaker's Close Encounter: Swallowed and Spat Out by a Humpback Whale

Adrián Simancas, a 23-year-old kayaker, experienced a surreal encounter when he was accidentally engulfed by a humpback whale while paddling off Chile's Patagonian coast. Captured on video by his father, the incident serves as both a thrilling narrative and a reminder of safety around marine wildlife.

Adrián Simancas, a 23-year-old kayaker from Venezuela, had a brush with nature that many would find hard to believe—he was nearly swallowed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, near Chile's Patagonian coast. His dramatic experience unfolded when he and his father, Dall, were paddling through the waters and suddenly something struck him from behind.

The first sensation Adrián encountered was an unexpected slimy texture brushing against his face, leading him to realize he was inside the whale's mouth. “I spent a second realising I was inside the mouth of something... that it could have been an orca or a sea monster,” he recounted, sharing how he briefly pondered his fate, likening it to a scene from "Pinocchio." Luckily, before his panic could escalate, the whale spat him back out.

Dall, who was recording the outing on a camera fixed to his kayak, caught the entire moment. He recalled the sheer shock of turning around to find Adrián missing, only to see his son resurfacing moments later. Adrián described feeling disoriented—a mix of fear and the thrill of survival as he surfaced, realizing he had not been swallowed after all.

What followed was an analysis from experts, who explained why such encounters can happen. Brazilian conservationist Roched Jacobson Seba noted that humpback whales have throats too small to swallow large objects like kayaks; they typically feed on smaller seafood such as fish and shrimp. It’s believed that the whale accidentally engulfed Adrián while trying to feed.

Reflecting on his near encounter, Adrián expressed gratitude, viewing it as a "second chance" that invited deeper contemplation about his life choices. He encouraged others to appreciate such experiences while also recognizing the importance of respecting marine habitats. His story serves as a significant reminder for adventurers to remain alert and cautious in areas populated by these magnificent creatures, as their silent presence can often go unnoticed until it is too late.