A kayaker's startling encounter with a humpback whale in Chile has captured global attention. A massive marine mammal shockingly swallowed and then released 24-year-old adventurer Adrian Simancas during a kayaking trip near Punta Arenas, an incident his father, Dell Simancas, vividly recorded. This extraordinary event not only stunned onlookers but also served to validate the previously doubted story of Michael Packard, a Massachusetts lobster diver who experienced a similar ordeal.
According to the Daily Mail, A recent video captures a kayaker in Chile being briefly engulfed by a humpback whale, corroborating a similar incident from 2021 involving a diver in Massachusetts.
On February 8, 2025, while kayaking near the scenic shores of Punta Arenas, Adrian Simancas faced a once-in-a-lifetime situation. As captured in the cellphone footage taken by his father, a humpback whale momentarily engulfed him, only to release him unharmed moments later. This incident mirrors Michael Packard's experience, as he claimed a whale swallowed him off the coast of Cape Cod nearly four years earlier.
Packard, a seasoned commercial lobster diver, had his credibility questioned when he first recounted his encounter in June 2021. Spending about 30 seconds inside the whale's mouth, he emerged with soft tissue damage and a dislocated knee but without any video evidence to support his claim. As a result, medical professionals and the public alike were initially skeptical of his extraordinary tale.
After the Chilean incident, Michael Packard expressed relief and vindication. The video of Simancas being swallowed provided visual proof that Packard's own story lacked, offering him a form of redemption. "I just felt this freight train or truck just hit me out of the blue," Packard had described his experience, which left him trapped and compressed within the whale's mouth.
Packard observed Simancas' ordeal and described their encounters, suggesting that "engulfed" more accurately depicted the experience than "swallowed," since the marine mammal consumed neither human. His reaction underscores the rarity and improbability of such events, which experts estimate as 1-in-1 trillion.
Despite their large mouths capable of accommodating a human, humpback whales are physiologically unable to swallow large prey due to the small size of their throats. This anatomical fact only underscores the incredible nature of these human-whale encounters, making the experiences of Simancas and Packard all the more miraculous and noteworthy.
A documentary titled In The Whale further explores the fascination surrounding human interactions with whales, focusing on Packard's harrowing experience. Directed by David Abel, the film delves into the details and aftermath of Packard's encounter, threading a narrative that highlights both the peril and wonder of the oceanic world.
Environmentalist Rob Deaville has pointed out that phenomena such as pollution and reckless tourist behavior can jeopardize the well-being of whales. These encounters, while incredibly rare, serve as stark reminders of the careful balance required when humans interact with these colossal marine beings.
Nicola Hodgins of Whale and Dolphin Conservation commented on the incident, describing Simancas' experience as being "in the wrong place at the wrong time." This sentiment captures the unpredictable and formidable nature of the natural world, where human presence can occasionally intersect with wildlife in dramatic ways.
People will likely continue referencing the stories of Adrian Simancas and Michael Packard in discussions about marine wildlife and human safety. These incidents not only highlight the unpredictable power of nature but also remind us of the importance of respecting our wildlife counterparts. As we venture into their habitats, these rare but impactful events underscore the ongoing dialogue about conservation and coexistence.
