For the last week, experts say three humpback whales have been frolicking very close to shore in Plymouth, USA, probably because that’s where the baitfish are schooling. But a near tragedy has the harbour master warning boaters.
Justin Enggasser was on a boat less than 100 feet away with his son when a breaching whale landed on the bow of another fishing boat.
“Total shock,” Enggasser said. “Can’t believe it’s that close to a boat, that close to us, and especially when it landed on the boat it was just shocking.”
The group of boaters had seen the humpbacks breach nearby minutes earlier, feasting on a school of pogies, the same baitfish that draw stripers and anglers trying to catch them. But fishing quickly became secondary when the whale landed on a boat and then slipped back into the water.
“If somebody was up on the bow of that boat, this could be a really tragic story,” said Plymouth Harbormaster Chad Hunter.
The 19-foot boat sustained only minor damage, and nobody onboard was hurt.
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