Enormous Humpback Whale Leaps Near Fishing Boat

by Damjan

23 Apr 2024

In the serene expanse of Monterey Bay, a routine fishing expedition turned into an unforgettable spectacle. A group of fishermen, along with 60-year-old photographer Douglas Croft and whale watcher Kate Cummings, experienced a breathtaking moment when a humpback whale leaped from the waters close to their boat, a scene captured in stunning footage that has since captivated viewers around the world.

Monterey Bay, known for its rich marine life, becomes a bustling hub during salmon season, attracting hundreds of boats filled with eager fishermen. This season coincides with the return of humpback whales, which migrate to the bay to feed.

The convergence of human and marine activity sets the stage for potential encounters with these majestic creatures, but few are as dramatic or as closely witnessed as the one captured by Croft and Cummings. Douglas Croft, a seasoned photographer, was poised for a promising day behind the lens but had not anticipated the extraordinary event he would soon capture.

Croft shared his excitement about the day, noting that the whale had breached several times already, which often suggests it may continue to do so. He decided to employ a unique strategy by going below deck to shoot from a porthole close to the waterline.

This tactic enabled him to capture the imposing scale of the whale as it dramatically breached the surface of the water. Croft noted that the whale's breach occurred directly behind the fishing boat, which dramatically highlighted the size difference between the two.

The boat, although closer and expected to appear larger, was spectacularly dwarfed by the whale. He humorously suggested that had he been in the fisherman's place, a change of underwear might have been necessary due to the startling nature of the encounter.

Kate Cummings, who recorded the video, attributed her ability to capture the dramatic scene to her keen intuition. She had closely observed the whale's behavior before the breach and successfully anticipated where it would surface next.

According to Cummings, the whale had already breached several times at a distance from the fishermen. She noted that whales often travel in a consistent direction while underwater, especially after multiple breaches, as they build momentum for subsequent leaps.

Predicting that the next appearance would be near the fishermen due to the whale’s trajectory, Cummings was proven right when the whale emerged exactly where she expected. The footage showcasing the whale's dramatic leap near the fishing boat quickly captured the attention of a global audience, illustrating the unpredictable and magnificent aspects of nature.

These encounters emphasize the marvels of the natural world and our role within its vast ecosystem. They underscore the critical need to respect wildlife and preserve the environments we collectively inhabit.