Boat skipper's incredible encounter stuns Aussies: 'Right place at the right time'
Tasmanian tour guide Kane Bowman was transferring a boat early on Friday morning when he took a moment to investigate a group of noisy birds.
An Aussie tour guide’s early-morning boat run took a stunning turn on Friday morning after he came face-to-face with migrating whales enjoying a feast.
Tasman Island Cruises skipper Kane Bowman told Yahoo News Australia he was simply in the “right place at the right time” when he encountered the “beautiful” creatures just as the sun rose.
“While doing a boat transfer up the coast of the Tasman Peninsula, I noticed many seabirds congregating on mass so I went to investigate and came across a large bait ball,” he said. “Many seals and dolphins were feeding upon the bait fish when a couple of migrating humpbacks came to investigate.”
Mr Bowman said the whales at first “worked around the outside of the bait ball with the seals and dolphins”. Then they began “lunge feeding up through the middle of the schooled up fish” just metres away from his vessel.
Aussies amazed by humpback whale encounter
The stunned skipper was able to snap a couple of brilliant photos of the moment showing a humpback emerging from the water with a mouthful of food. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which operates Tasman Island Cruises, later posted the images online, leaving travellers across the country in awe.
“This is an incredible shot!” one person commented. “Wow, what an experience to see that,” another exclaimed.
“We did this cruise last Sunday, absolutely amazing. We [saw] six whales in the first hour. Absolutely breathtaking,” someone else said.
🌊 Lucky timing sees Aussie capture favourite picture 'of all time'
🐋 Jet skis spark fierce debate after whales spotted off coast
Skipper says whale season has been 'incredible'
As many know, the country’s east and west coasts come alive each year as whales migrate north between May and July to have their young in warmer waters. In September they turn around and head back south, with ocean currents bringing them quite close to Tasmania — much to the delight of tourists.
Mr Bowman told Yahoo this whale watching season “has been quite incredible, with the migrating humpbacks being sighted daily on our eco tours for the last six weeks”.
“Gotta love Tasmania!”
It’s understood the whale population is increasing due to conservation efforts over the years, leading to more sightings and therefore lengthier whale watching seasons.
However, Yahoo News reported in August that some of the animals had been observed behaving strangely off NSW’s north coast. Divers said they saw whales in poor health with deep white lines on their backs and emaciated frames.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
