Last week we shared footage showing five humpback whales breaching almost simultaneously near Hoonah, Alaska. It was a surreal and unexpected scene enjoyed by a family during a picnic.
On Sunday, KINY shared the accompanying image showing kayakers in Hoonah experiencing an extremely “close encounter of the whale kind!”
The Facebook description reads, in part: “According to Hoonah Fire Chief Paul Comolli, the shock wave from the whale’s breach rocked three kayaks and flipped one completely over!”
Comolli captured the image at Point Frederick.
The KINY post was widely shared and some were critical of the kayakers for approaching too closely and placing themselves and the whale in danger.
Humpback whales are known for their spectacular breaches and should always be given a wide berth.