Kayaker's Close Encounter with Humpback Whale: A Surreal Survival Story

A Venezuelan kayaker, Adrián Simancas, shares his astonishing experience of being engulfed by a humpback whale while paddling in Chile. Captured on video by his father, the incident left Adrián shaken yet grateful for a second chance at life, as wildlife experts explain the physical reasons behind his extraordinary escape.

A shocking encounter in the waters of the Strait of Magellan has left kayaker Adrián Simancas with a surreal story to tell. The 23-year-old Venezuelan paddler was out on the water with his father, Dall, when he suddenly found himself inside the mouth of a massive humpback whale.

"I spent a second realizing I was inside the mouth of something—wondering if it was an orca or a sea monster,” Adrián recounted. He had thought about how he might survive the incident, likening it to the story of Pinocchio, until the whale unexpectedly spat him back out.

The moment unfolded while they were crossing Eagle Bay. Dall captured the incident on video just moments after hearing a loud crash. "When I turned around, I didn't see Adrián," he reflected, feeling immediate worry until witnessing his son emerge from the water.

Adrián vividly recalls feeling a slimy texture against his face as darkness enveloped him. "I began to fear whether I would be able to hold my breath," he admitted. However, he found himself rising to the surface within seconds, relieved to realize the whale had not swallowed him.

The video footage later revealed the sheer size of the whale, prompting a mix of astonishment and nerves in Adrián. "I hadn't seen the moment the whale appeared; I only heard it," he said, reflecting on the scale of what could have been a catastrophic experience.

Experts affirm that humpback whales have throats narrow enough that they cannot swallow large objects like kayaks. Brazilian conservationist Roched Jacobson Seba explained that the whale likely engulfed Adrián by accident while feeding on fish. The encounter serves as a crucial reminder for water sports enthusiasts to avoid quiet vessels in areas frequented by these majestic creatures.

Adrián viewed the experience as a "second chance," urging others to appreciate the beauty of nature and the lessons it can teach. He and his father, who emigrated from Venezuela to Chile seven years prior, now have a remarkable story of survival to share with the world.