A whale of a time.

[garymalmgren]

The number of whales migrating up the east and west coasts of Australia has exploded.
Watching from shore at some places is popular an of course charter boast will take people out whale watching.
However, more and more private citizens are heading out for a look.
Some get just a little too close

Pair rushed to hospital after whale lands on boat

A teenager was badly injured in the incident, which a former charter operator says "blows his mind" and is "incredibly rare".

www.abc.net.au

 

[Admiral]

Wow. I have seen one land on a sailboat years ago. Fortunately those on board were ok. Boat was not.

 

[justsomeguy]

Here's a feel-good whale story:

 

[rgranger]

 

[jssailem]

Exciting Story Gary. Have not seen a whale completely out of the water yet. Sounds like the whales have made some kind of a comeback.

 

[Tally Ho]

Wife and I head to Maui every year in January and see LOTS of humpback whales. The species was on the verge of extinction in the 60’s. Someone recorded whale song, put it on a 45 record, and public awareness and sentiment for saving the whales exploded!

No longer on the endangered species list, but still facing challenges like micro plastics (and macro plastic like the video), climate change and other challenges…and apparently some countries still allow whale hunting.



Greg

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi JSSAILEM
RE. Sounds like the whales have made some kind of a comeback.

More than,"some kind", an incredible comeback.
SYDNEY - Marine experts estimate about 40,000 humpback whales are now migrating through Australian waters annually, up from about 1,500 half a century ago.

Australian Humpback Whale Numbers Surge

The species has recovered strongly after the end of commercial hunting and could be removed from Australia's endangered species list

www.voanews.com

 

[All U Get]

While in Cape Cod a diver was swallowed by a humpback.

 

[jssailem]

Was his name Jonah?
Are whales tired of a fish diet? They say the mammals have brains. With the fish population in decline perhaps they are evolving. Recognizing there are maybe 7 billion on the planet and more and more of them are migrating to live near coastal waters perhaps whales recognize a possible new food source. The problem may have been the hopefully tasty morsel was covered in rubber. With out teeth the morsel just got stuck in the whales throat like a hair ball. All that motherly advise. Be careful what you try to eat was ignored.

The papers report the whale spit the rubber hair ball out. It was recovered by his friend and the hospital reported the diver is recovering.

 

[All U Get]

Local news interview reported a broken leg, etc.

 

[shemandr]

NY Post, which has a talent for headlines, featured a picture of the guy in the hospital with the quote "I almost got Krilled!" I love those headline writers! It's an art form.

 

[sesmith]

A Lobster Diver In Cape Cod Says A Humpback Whale Scooped Him Up And Spat Him Out

Michael Packard says he was trapped in the whale's mouth for 30 to 40 seconds before it tossed him back in the water, bruised but otherwise unharmed. Experts tell NPR such events are extremely rare.

www.npr.org

 

[garymalmgren]

The kid who was on the boat that was hit by the whale had very serious injuries.
No joke that one.

Teen badly hurt when whale lands on boat wakes from coma

Nick Myhill's family and friends say he's "responsive" and "communicating well" after the devastating freak accident, but the long-term impact of his injuries are not yet clear.

www.abc.net.au