Whale Overturns Fishing Boat Carrying People: Experts Believe They Understand Why

By: Georgia | Published: Jul 26, 2024

Two fishermen had a shocking encounter when a humpback whale flipped their boat off the New Hampshire coast.

Captured on video by two teenage brothers, this jaw-dropping moment led to a daring rescue as the fishermen were thrown into the chilly waters.

The Heart-Stopping Moment Caught on Camera

In a scene straight out of an action movie, the humpback whale emerged and crashed onto the boat, sending Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney into the sea.

Close-up of a dramatic moment where a humpback whale emerges near a small fishing boat, causing water to splash around as a person watches from another boat

Source: oldrowoutdoors/Instagram

Luckily, quick action by nearby boaters, Wyatt and Colin Yager, turned potential tragedy into a tale of survival.

Unusual Whale Behavior Explained

Why would a whale flip a boat? Experts believe the humpback was employing a hunting technique, blowing bubbles to corral fish before lunging.

A close view of a humpback whale's tail fin above the ocean, showing distinctive black and white markings as water droplets fall around it

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“It’s very possible the vessel was in the animal’s blind spot,” explained Linnea Mayfield from Boston City Cruises.

Local Waters or Whale Playground?

Recently, the same waters off the Piscataqua River have become a stage for humpback sightings, alarming and thrilling local boaters.

The green and white sign of the Piscataqua River Bridge, featured prominently against a complex metal structure of the bridge itself

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jen Kennedy from the Blue Ocean Society, reflecting on decades of whale watching.

A Close Call with Nature

The incident wasn’t just a fluke; similar encounters have peppered the region’s history, with another boat strike by a humpback reported two years ago off Plymouth, Massachusetts.

A humpback whale is seen feeding just below the water's surface, its mouth partially open as it pushes through the water

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These rare but memorable events highlight the unpredictable nature of wild marine life.

Community on Alert: The Whale's Return

The same juvenile humpback suspected in the boat flipping was spotted even closer to shore days later.

Dynamic shot of a humpback whale breaching fully out of the water, its body almost vertical as water cascades off its massive form

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Local authorities and marine biologists have been on high alert, tracking its movements to prevent future mishaps.

Identifying the Culprit

Efforts are underway by NOAA Fisheries to determine if this is the same whale causing the recent stir.

A humpback whale breaching energetically, its body arcing through the air with white and black markings visible; the ocean surface and a distant coast form the backdrop

Source: NOAAFisheries/X

“We need clear photos to match it against known whales,” shared Andrea Gomez, a NOAA spokeswoman, urging public cooperation.

The Whale Watch Intensifies

As sightings increase, so does the community’s curiosity and concern.

An underwater scene showing two humpback whales gliding gracefully; the larger whale is in the foreground with its pectoral fin extended towards the camera

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“We need everyone’s help to track this whale’s movements,” Kennedy emphasized, calling for photo submissions to assist in identification.

Why Stay Near the Shore?

According to experts, the presence of prey like menhaden is keeping the humpbacks close.

Close-up view of a humpback whale's back as it dives, showing a wet, textured skin and the prominent dorsal fin slicing through ocean water

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“They go where the food is,” noted Regina Asmutis-Silvia of Whale and Dolphin Conservation, pointing out the abundance of bait fish this season.

An Unforgettable Wildlife Lesson

This summer has turned local waters into a live classroom, with both seasoned mariners and casual observers learning about whale behavior firsthand.

A close-up underwater shot of a humpback whale, focusing on its massive head and mouth slightly agape, with barnacles visible on its skin

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Each sighting brings new insights and heightened respect for these massive marine dwellers.

Safety in Whale Territory

With the increasing number of whale sightings, boaters are reminded to remain vigilant.

A dramatic image of a humpback whale breaching near a rainforest-covered coastline, splashing water around with its momentum

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“It’s crucial for boaters to stay alert and be prepared for unexpected whale behaviors,” experts advise, stressing the importance of safety in these shared waters.

Reflecting on a Rare Encounter

As the community reflects on this rare event, it serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“This was a reminder of just how awe-inspiring and also how dangerous wildlife can be,” said Kennedy, highlighting the dual beauty and peril of marine life encounters.