Australian surfer Jason Breen experienced a “one in a million” encounter while wing-foiling at Mona Vale Beach in Sydney when a breaching whale slammed into him.
Capturing the Moment on GoPro
Breen was filming his wing-foiling session with a GoPro when the unexpected incident occurred, capturing the dramatic moment on video.
The Whale Emerges
As Breen surfed, a whale suddenly breached the surface, colliding directly with him and knocking him off his board.
Dragged Underwater
The impact caused Breen to be dragged underwater for about 30 feet as his leg rope got caught in the whale.
A Fortunate Escape
Breen managed to escape when his leash broke, allowing him to surface and avoid serious injury.
Reflection on the Experience
Breen recounted the event, noting the potential danger if the whale had barnacles on its skin, which could have caused severe injuries.
The Juvenile Whale’s Role
Breen speculated that the whale was likely a juvenile, as an encounter with an adult whale could have been more dangerous.
One in a Million Chance
The rarity of the event was emphasized by Breen, who highlighted the coincidence of the whale breaching at that exact moment and location.
The Role of Bystanders
A bystander on a nearby headland happened to be filming the ocean, capturing additional footage of the encounter.
Immediate Reactions
Breen’s immediate reaction was one of shock and disbelief, but he quickly assessed his situation and ensured his safety.
Surviving Unscathed
Remarkably, Breen survived the incident with no major injuries, attributing his escape to the broken leash.
Awareness of Ocean Dangers
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean and the importance of being prepared for unexpected encounters.
Sharing the Story
Breen shared his story with local news outlets, raising awareness about the potential risks while engaging in water sports.
The Viral Video
The footage from Breen’s GoPro and the bystander’s camera quickly went viral, drawing attention to the rare event.
Reflection on Luck
Breen expressed gratitude for his safety, acknowledging the fortunate circumstances that allowed him to survive the encounter.
Next Up:
Massive Great White Shark Eats Fisherman’s Tuna off His Hook
For any feedback please message Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Massive Whale Breaches and Body-Slams 55-year-old Surfer in Australia - November 30, 2024
- Black Bear with Rare 5-Cub Litter Breaks into and Steals from SUV in Great Smoky Mountains - November 30, 2024
- 17-foot (140 pound) Burmese Python Removed from Florida Everglades using Python-Detecting Dogs - November 30, 2024