Ryland Kenney, a fisherman from New Hampshire, had a terrifying encounter with a humpback whale while out on a fishing trip with his friend Greg Paquette. The incident occurred about two miles off the coast of Rye, N.H., when a juvenile whale unexpectedly launched itself onto the back of their 23-foot motorboat, causing the boat to capsize and throwing both men into the water.
Despite the dramatic flip, all three parties involved, including the whale, emerged unharmed. The United States Coast Guard confirmed that there were no injuries. However, the experience left Mr. Kenney unable to shake the image of the whale’s mouth hovering over their boat.
Both Mr. Kenney, 44, and Mr. Paquette, 54, are seasoned fishermen who had been enjoying exceptional fishing conditions in the area over the past few days. They had even spotted the same whale feeding on bait fish in the vicinity prior to the incident.
On the day of the encounter, the duo set out from Eliot, Maine, near the New Hampshire border, at the crack of dawn in pursuit of bait schools. Despite their efforts to stay on the periphery of the bait school to avoid any potential whale interactions, they found themselves face to face with the massive creature once again.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Mr. Kenney emphasized the importance of safety precautions when fishing near whale-inhabited waters. He stressed the significance of steering clear of the central areas of bait schools where whales are more likely to surface, opting instead to remain on the outskirts of the feeding grounds.
The entire incident, captured on video, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, even for seasoned fishermen like Mr. Kenney and Mr. Paquette. The video footage of the whale colliding with their boat and causing it to overturn has since garnered attention online, showcasing the split-second decision-making that ultimately saved their lives.
Despite the initial shock and disbelief of the event, both men have expressed their gratitude for being able to walk away from the encounter unscathed. The awe-inspiring yet harrowing experience has left a lasting impression on Mr. Kenney, serving as a poignant reminder of the raw power and unpredictability of nature in its wildest form.
