Heart-stopping moment as whale capsizes Zodiac
by Sail-World Cruising round-up on 7 Jul 2014
Heart-stopping moment as whale capsizes RIB with photographer and camera SW
The first thing I thought when I saw this video was 'It could happen to me in the dinghy!' Staying away from whales when in your dinghy is not only for the sake of the whales, but you just can't predict the whale. This rare video was taken by fixed camera on the RIB from which they were photographing two blue whales.
Wildlife photographer Dale Frink was on the RIB off the coast from San Francisco and down near San Diego when the giant 80ft blue whale emerged from underwater to unintentionally knock the boat so badly that it overturned.
He explained later the two whales were feeding on the surface. They disappeared for a few minutes until one lunged, tipping it over and throwing the pair into the water.
‘I was not driving and I was not in control of the Zodiac. However, neither I nor the captain - Cici Sayers - was hurt save for minor bruises.’
He added on his website: ‘I cannot stress enough that the Captain was doing her best not to get too close to these animals, and that she did her best to follow proper procedure. It was a freak accident.'
Fortunately another boat was nearby and the pair were quickly retrieved. Tony Olson from Vessel Assist, San Diego told Fox5 San Diego: 'This would be the first one. The first one ever I’ve heard of around here flipping a boat over from a whale.'
Here's the stomach-churning moment 80ft long blue whale capsized the 21ft Zodiac.
Please note, this video is off air at the moment - we are attempting to correct the problem - please check later.
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