7 sources·World

Venezuelan Kayaker Survives Dramatic Encounter with Humpback Whale

Adrián Simancas, a kayaker, was briefly swallowed by a whale off the coast of Chile before escaping unharmed, capturing global attention.

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Humpback whales, which can weigh up to 48 tons and measure 19 meters in length in the case of females, feed on plankton, plants, and fish.
WATCH: Stunned Kayaker Recalls Being Swallowed by Humpback Whale
Breitbart News·3M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.
The drama came when Mr. Simancas, 24, and his father, Dell Simancas, were in separate kayaks near Punta Arenas, Chile, at around 3 p.m. Saturday.
WATCH: Kayaker swallowed by humpback whale and spit back out
Washington Times·3M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
Experts say it's just not possible for a whale to swallow something as large as a person.
Did a whale swallow a kayaker? The truth behind the viral video
NPR·3M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The unique experience in one of the most extreme places on Earth had invited me to reflect on what I could have done better up until that point, and on the ways I can take advantage of the experience and appreciate it as well.
Kayaker swallowed by whale recalls feeling 'slimy texture' in its mouth
BBC News·3M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Despite the terrifying experience, Dell remained focused, filming and reassuring his son while grappling with his own worry.
Camera captures moment kayaker says he was briefly swallowed by humpback whale in Chilean Patagonia
NBC News·3M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

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Updated: Feb 15th, 2025, 3:44 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Adrián Simancas, 24, experienced a terrifying moment when a humpback whale engulfed him and his kayak while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan. He described feeling a slimy texture before realizing he was inside the whale's mouth but was released moments later unharmed. The incident, filmed by his father, raised awareness about the biology of humpback whales and the importance of cautious kayaking in whale-inhabited waters. Experts noted that such encounters are rare and typically non-threatening, as humpback whales cannot swallow large objects. The video went viral, highlighting both the dangers of kayaking and the beauty of marine life.

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