
Humpback Whale 'Swallows' Packrafter Off Chilean Coast
A humpback whale briefly swallowed a packrafter in Chilean Patagonia before releasing him unharmed.

In a heart-stopping encounter off the coast of Chilean Patagonia, Adrián Simancas found himself at the center of a dramatic tale involving a humpback whale. While packrafting with his father, Mr. Simancas was suddenly engulfed by a massive creature that emerged from the depths.
As recounted by Mr. Simancas himself, the ordeal unfolded in a matter of seconds. "I felt something hit me from behind — all this happened in a second — something dark blue or white enveloped me, and a slimy texture brushed my face,” he described. “Then it closed completely and I started to sink, and I just closed my eyes, expecting an impact."
Rafter Is Briefly ‘Swallowed’ by Whale in Chile
The powerful whale seemingly swallowed Mr. Simancas whole, leaving him suspended in darkness before unexpectedly releasing him back into the water. Miraculously, Mr. Simancas surfaced alongside his packraft, shaken but unharmed.
Mr. Simancas's father captured the entire incident on video, providing chilling evidence of the encounter. The footage reveals the sheer size of the humpback whale, dwarfing Mr. Simancas and his vessel as it briefly emerged from the water before diving back into the depths.
This extraordinary event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the awe-inspiring power of marine animals like the humpback whale.
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