Watch: Kayaker briefly swallowed by humpback whale in Chile’s Strait of Magellan, escapes unharmed

A dramatic incident unfolded in Chile's Strait of Magellan when a kayaker was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale before being released unharmed. The kayaker, 24-year-old Adrian Simancas, was with his father, Dell, near the San Isidro Lighthouse in Bahia El Aguila. During their kayaking trip, a humpback whale surfaced suddenly and engulfed Adrian and his kayak for a few seconds. Adrian described the terrifying moment, initially believing that the whale had swallowed him. Once he surfaced, Adrian was relieved to find he was unharmed and immediately worried about his father’s safety.

Dell Simancas, who was nearby, filmed the rare occurrence while reassuring his son to stay calm. Both father and son remained in the frigid waters of the Strait of Magellan, which has a notoriously cold climate with water temperatures ranging between 39°F and 68°F. Despite the brief but intense incident, Adrian managed to swim back to his father's kayak. The two were able to return safely to shore without injuries.

Experts explained that despite the startling nature of the event, humpback whales cannot swallow humans due to their small throats. The rare encounter is considered an anomaly, as whale attacks on humans are extremely uncommon. While whale-human interactions are generally peaceful, there has been an increase in whale deaths from ship collisions and strandings in Chile's waters over the past decade. This has raised concerns among marine conservationists about the safety of both whales and humans in these areas.

The Strait of Magellan, located in the southernmost tip of Chile, is a popular destination for adventure tourism. Known for its challenging waters and unpredictable weather conditions, it attracts sailors, swimmers, and kayakers seeking an adventurous experience. However, the region's temperate climate, with cool water temperatures even during the summer months, poses significant risks for those who venture into its waters.