Posted tagged ‘whale crashes into yacht’

Boat Meets Whale…

July 27, 2010

– – A couple sailing off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa had an unexpected surprise when a 40-ton whale crash landed on their yacht, smashing their mast and bringing down the rigging as well.

The whale was about the size of the boat, which escaped sinking largely because its hull was made of steel rather than fiberglass. The whale thrashed around a bit on the 33-foot vessel before slipping back into the sea, leaving some skin and blubber behind.

–Why did the whale do this?–Some feel that the whale simply did not perceive the boat, which had its engine turned off. Officials are investigating reports, however, that the couple may have come too close to the whale and harassed it, causing it to breach…

The law requires sailors to stay 1,000 feet away from whales, and with good reason. Whales are very territorial, and will charge if they feel endangered…