Audio By Carbonatix
A couple on a whale-watching trip off Cape Town, South Africa, say they had a lucky escape when a 10m (33ft) specimen leapt on to their yacht.
The southern right whale, a species known for poor eyesight, snapped the mast before sliding back into the water, said Paloma Werner.
She and her partner had just seconds to take cover, she said. A nearby tourist caught the moment on camera.
"I still like whales," Ms Werner told the BBC afterwards.
The southern right whale navigates by sound, leading Ms Werner to suspect it was an accident.
"Our boat's engine was off and so the whale just didn't know we were there," she said.
"We were just the wrong boat, in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Ms Werner and her companion Ralph Mothes had headed out to Table Bay on their yacht in fine weather before catching sight of the whale in the distance.
Cutting the engine, they floated for an hour watching the whale, she told the BBC.
"It appeared about 120m away from our boat and then it went under the water again.
"A few moments later, I saw it resurface just 10m away.
"Suddenly I heard my partner shout and when I looked around, I saw the huge thing breaching on to the deck.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Anthony Joshua discharged from hospital after fatal road crash
1 hour -
Trump media firm to issue new cryptocurrency to shareholders
1 hour -
Ebo Noah arrested over failed Christmas apocalypse and public panic
3 hours -
‘Ghana’s democracy must never be sacrificed for short-term politics’ – Bawumia
3 hours -
Bawumia congratulates Mahama but warns he “cannot afford to fail Ghanaians”
3 hours -
CICM backs BoG’s microfinance sector reform programme; New Year Debt Recovery School comes off January-February 2026
3 hours -
GIPC Boss urges diaspora to invest remittances into productive ventures
3 hours -
Cedi ends 2025 as 4th best performing currency in Africa
3 hours -
Fifi Kwetey brands calls for Mahama third term as ‘sycophancy’
4 hours -
Bawumia calls for NPP unity ahead of 2028 elections
4 hours -
Police restore calm after swoop that resulted in one death at Aboso
4 hours -
Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu Foundation launches in Mankessim as 55 artisans graduate
4 hours -
Behold Thy Mother Foundation celebrates Christmas with aged mothers in Assin Manso
4 hours -
GHIMA reaffirms commitment to secured healthcare data
5 hours -
John Boadu pays courtesy call on former President Kufuor, seeks guidance on NPP revival
5 hours
