On social media, a viral video captured a dramatic incident showing a humpback whale breaching through the waters off the coast, which gained significant attention.
On the TikTok platform, dramatic footage reveals the terrifying encounter between the humpback whale and a small vessel.
The whale’s actions sent the two people onboard into the water, leaving viewers frightened.
A small fishing boat off the coast of New Hampshire was capsized by a humpback whale.
This dramatic incident has captured widespread attention.The startling event, which occurred near Portsmouth, was caught on camera and has since gone viral on social media.
Terrifying encounter with a humpback whale
On TikTok, startling footage shared by @6abc Action News shows a terrifying encounter with a large mammal in the sea.
According to the report, on Tuesday, a humpback whale was filmed breaching the waters and striking the rear of the small vessel.
As a result, the two sailors onboard into the water.
The footage shows the boat being rocked before it flips over and begins to submerge.
A nearby fisherman captured the entire scene as the boat was towed back to safety. Fortunately, all individuals on board were reported to be unharmed.
Public reaction to the humpback whale’s behavior
The footage quickly spread across social media, eliciting a range of reactions from viewers.
Many viewers expressed their shock at the startling footage, suggesting that it was crazy.
While another described the scene as “insane to watch.”
Many users were astonished by how quickly the boat capsized.
One person said: I’d probably instantly die of a panick attack.
A second wrote: Please always wear your life vest!!!! So glad they are safe.
While a third commented: I want to know if he was going to help or about to run away.
Another added: The way the person plopped into the water.
Someone else said: I’d be so scared.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters.
Although humpback whales are typically gentle giants, their encounters with boats can occasionally result in dramatic outcomes.
Humpback whale behavior and context
According to WGME, the humpback involved is believed to be about two years old. It has recently been spotted around the Maine and New Hampshire border.
While orcas are known for their aggressive behavior towards boats, humpbacks are generally more curious.
They typically approach out of curiosity rather than aggression. It is unclear what specifically prompted this whale to breach near the boat.
Dianna Schulte from the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation speculated that the whale might have been in search of food.
There has been an influx of menhaden, a type of small baitfish, in the area. This increase in baitfish could have attracted the whale to the region.
Schulte added, “We’re hoping it leaves the area soon.”
Humpback whales can grow up to 56 feet in length and weigh as much as 40 tons. Humpback whales primarily feed on krill and small fish.
Despite facing near-extinction due to whaling in the early 20th century, they have made a remarkable recovery. Today, humpbacks are considered a successful conservation story.