Imagine gliding across the calm waters of San Luis Obispo Bay, the sun warming your skin, and the thrill of spotting marine life just beneath the surface. For most, this sounds like the perfect kayak adventure, but for two women in November 2020, that peaceful outing turned into a heart-pounding brush. Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel found themselves inches away from being swallowed by a whale, caught in a dramatic moment. A massive humpback whale suddenly breached right beneath them, flipping their kayak into the air. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary—and it was all captured on camera.
The Unbelievable Incident
On a calm day in November 2020, two women set out on what was supposed to be a peaceful and adventurous day of kayaking near Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo Bay, California. Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel were excited about their kayak adventure, hoping to observe some marine life from a safe distance. They never anticipated coming face-to-face with a massive whale and experiencing an event that would make headlines worldwide — they were nearly swallowed by a whale!
A Peaceful Day Turned into Chaos
The day began calmly for McSorley and Liz Cottriel as they paddled across the bay, enjoying the stunning views and the peaceful rhythm of the ocean. Suddenly, things took an unexpected turn. The duo noticed large gatherings of marine life under the water, particularly a school of fish that seemed to be swimming in tight formations, creating what is commonly known as bait balls. This type of formation often attracts larger predators, and sure enough, Julie McSorley realized they were in close proximity to feeding whales.
“McSorley told reporters that it was her idea to go whale watching that day. She was hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures from a distance.” However, what started as a leisurely kayak adventure quickly escalated into something far more terrifying.
The Humpback Whale Breach
While they were observing the school of fish, the water around them began to churn with activity. The fish were behaving strangely, darting in every direction. That’s when Julie McSorley saw the unmistakable shape of a massive humpback whale rising from the depths. The whale was about to breach the surface — a common behavior where these enormous creatures lunge out of the water in search of food, often targeting bait balls of small fish.
As the whale breached, it created a towering wave that flipped the women’s kayak and left them dumped in the water. But the most shocking part of the ordeal came next: the whale’s open mouth came dangerously close to engulfing both women along with their kayak. It seemed, for a split second, as if they were about to be swallowed by a whale.
A Near-Death Encounter
Though the experience was harrowing, McSorley told reporters that she wasn’t sure exactly what was happening at the moment. Everything happened so quickly. One minute, they were watching the marine life, and the next, they were in the midst of a life-threatening situation. Cottriel told journalists that she was in disbelief. It all felt surreal, almost as if time had slowed down.
Luckily, the whale’s massive mouth, which had appeared to be wide enough to swallow a human, quickly closed as it breached. The two women were spat back into the water instead of being swallowed. The whale, after surfacing, swam away with no intention of harming the women. Despite the terrifying experience, Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel lived to tell the tale.
Watching the Video of Kayak Swallowed By Whale
Bystanders out on the water that day captured the incredible moment on camera. Later, when people watched the video, the footage clearly showed the whale breaching directly beneath the kayak, lifting it high into the air before throwing the women into the water. The video quickly went viral, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. The scene was so dramatic that many people wondered if it was possible for a whale to actually swallow a human.
The idea of being swallowed by a whale feels as though it’s taken straight from a mythical tale like Jonah and the Whale. Marine biologists have clarified that while whales like humpbacks or sperm whales have massive mouths, their throats are too small to actually ingest large prey like humans.
Why the Whales Were Feeding
The whales in San Luis Obispo Bay were feeding on the school of fish that had gathered near the surface, forming the bait balls that attract these sea giants. Humpback whales, like the one that nearly engulfed McSorley and Cottriel, typically feed by lunging towards these concentrated balls of fish with their mouths open wide. When they approach the surface in search of food, it often looks like they’re coming up for air, but in reality, they’re hunting for their next meal.
McSorley and Liz Cottriel were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are caught in the middle of this feeding frenzy. It was a stroke of luck that the whale closed its mouth before it could do any serious harm to the women or their kayak.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
After Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel shared their story of a kayak swallowed by a whale. The women amazed many people by coming so close to what seemed like a near-impossible scenario. For days, people discussed whether it was even possible for a whale to swallow a human. Also, what would have been the outcome if the whale had acted differently?
Despite the frightening ordeal, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. Specially when dealing with large marine animals like humpback whales. Experts advise kayakers, boaters, and other ocean-goers to respect marine animals’ space. And also avoid approaching feeding areas too closely, particularly when whale breach events are common.
Safety on the Water: What to Know
While incidents like this are extremely rare, they do highlight the potential dangers of being too close to marine wildlife. Whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures are majestic but unpredictable. They can unintentionally pose risks to small vessels like kayaks.
Here are some essential safety tips for kayaking near whales and other marine life:
Keep a Safe Distance
Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Marine regulations often recommend staying at least 100 yards away from whales to avoid disturbing them and to prevent accidents.
Be Aware of Whale Behavior
Knowing the signs of feeding behavior, like sudden surface breaches, can help paddlers avoid getting too close.
Remain Calm
In the rare event of an unexpected encounter like the one described, staying calm is crucial. Panicking can lead to capsizing or other dangerous situations.
Carry Proper Gear
The right equipment, including life jackets, GPS devices, and communication tools, ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Go with a Guide
If you’re inexperienced or unfamiliar with an area, it’s wise to go with a certified guide who understands the local marine life.
Conclusion
The tale of the kayak swallowed by a whale is a reminder that nature, while beautiful, is unpredictable. For the kayakers involved, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to be one they’ll never forget. For us, it serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. Therefore, it’s essential to remember the importance of caution and awareness when sharing the waters with such majestic beings.