On February 14, 2025, an extraordinary incident occurred in Bahía El Águila, located near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. A humpback whale unexpectedlyed a kayaker, Adrián Simancas, along with his kayak, before releasing him unharmed. The event was documented by Adrián's father, Dell Simancas, and quickly gained attention on social media.

The Incident

Details of the Encounter

• Participants: Adrián Simancas, a young kayaker, was accompanied by his father, Dell Simancas.
• Location: The incident took place in Bahía El Águila, which is part of the scenic and adventurous Strait of Magellan.
• Nature of the Incident: While kayaking, a humpback whale surfaced and momentarily swallowed Adrián and his yellow kayak. This dramatic event lasted only a few seconds.

Eyewitness Account

Dell Simancas was positioned just a few meters away from his son when the whale surfaced. He recorded the incident on video, where he can be heard urging Adrián to "stay calm" during the terrifying encounter. After being released from the whale's mouth, Adrián expressed his initial thoughts of mortality, stating, “I thought I was dead,” and feared that he had been consumed by the whale.

Emotional Impact

Adrián's Experience

Adrián described the overwhelming "terror" he felt during the few seconds spent inside the whale. His primary concern shifted from his own safety to worrying about his father's well-being and the potential dangers of hypothermia in the cold waters. He recounted the fear that something might happen to his father while he was submerged, highlighting the emotional turmoil of the experience.

Dell's Response

Throughout the ordeal, Dell maintained a focus on capturing the moment on video while simultaneously providing reassurance to Adrián. His calm demeanor was pivotal in helping Adrián manage his fear during the incident. After resurfacing, Adrián quickly paddled to his father's kayak, where he received assistance, and both were able to return to shore without injury.

Geographic and Environmental Context

The Strait of Magellan

• Location: The Strait of Magellan is situated approximately 1,600 miles (3,000 kilometers) south of Santiago, Chile's capital.
• Tourism and Activities: This region is known for its adventure tourism, attracting visitors for various activities, including kayaking, sailing, and exploring its natural beauty.
• Climate: Despite being summer in the Southern Hemisphere, temperatures in the Strait of Magellan remain cool, with lows around 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and highs rarely exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).

Broader Implications

Whale Behavior and Human Interaction

While encounters between whales and humans are rare, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions. Although whale attacks on humans are infrequent in Chilean waters, there has been a notable increase in whale fatalities due to collisions with cargo ships in recent years. Additionally, whale strandings have become a recurring issue over the last decade, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding marine life and human activity.

Conclusion

The incident involving Adrián Simancas and the humpback whale serves as a remarkable example of the unpredictable interactions that can occur between humans and wildlife. Despite the initial fear and potential danger, both Adrián and his father emerged from the experience unscathed, offering a compelling narrative about survival and the awe-inspiring nature of marine life in the Strait of Magellan.

Watch Kayaker Swallowed by Humpback Whale Video