Humpback Whale’s Incredible Breach Near Fisherman’s Boat in Monterey Bay, California

A humpback whale bursts from the ocean, startling a lone angler in Monterey Bay, California. The enormous creature narrowly avoids the fisherman’s boat as it plunges back into the water.

Photographer Douglas Croft, 60, and whale watcher Kate Cummings captured this incredible moment. The stunning photograph showcases the whale breaching close to the unsuspecting fisherman, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene.

This remarkable encounter emphasizes the beauty and unpredictability of nature, leaving both witnesses and readers in awe.

Douglas remarked, “It was rather thrilling!” There were hundreds of boats on Monterey Bay fishing during salmon season, which coincides with the return of humpbacks for their summer feeding.

“This whale had breached a few times before this, and often they will just keep doing it,” he explained.

“I went below deck to shoot from a porthole close to the waterline. That’s what gives this amazing perspective of looking up at the whale,” Douglas shared. “The breach happening directly behind the fishing boat really shows the whale’s size.

“Since the boat is closer, it should look bigger, but the whale is huge! If I’d been the fisherman, I’d probably need some new underwear.”

Kate, who took the video, said, “It was fun capturing this video. The whale had already breached multiple times much further away from the fisherman.”

“But sometimes when whales breach multiple times, they’re also heading in a specific direction while underwater, building momentum for the next breach,” Kate explained. “I figured the next breach would be around the fisherman because the whale was heading that way, and sure enough! Though I didn’t expect the whale and the boat to line up so perfectly.”

Here’s our advice for the startled sailor: You’re gonna need a bigger boat!