SEAL JUMPS ABOARD A BOAT TO ESCAPE KILLER WHALE

A group of amateur whale watchers off Washington’s Camano Island had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter earlier this month when a desperate seal leapt onto their boat to escape a hunting pod of killer whales. Photographer Charvet Drucker captured the dramatic Nov. 2 moment while she and friends were observing orcas in Saratoga Passage. The group noticed the whales exhibiting predatory behavior, repeatedly batting a lone seal into the air as part of what one witness described as “hunting practice.”

Out of caution, the whale watchers shut off their engine as the animals drew closer. After more than 30 tense minutes, the terrified seal suddenly launched itself onto their vessel, seeking sanctuary from the circling orcas. The predators searched around the boat for nearly 15 minutes before losing interest and moving on.

Only once they approached the safety of shore did their unexpected passenger slip back into the water and swim away unharmed.