Kayaker Briefly Caught in Humpback Whale's Mouth Off Chile Coast

A massive power outage has left approximately 98% of households in Chile without electricity since Tuesday, prompting the government to declare a nationwide curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM. The curfew affects regions from Arica y Parinacota in the north to Los Lagos in the south, covering over 3,000 kilometers, according to the Interior Ministry. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá emphasized the government's primary concern for public safety, stating, “We want to ensure that no one takes advantage of the blackout to commit crimes.” To bolster security, 3,000 troops are being deployed in affected areas. The blackout was triggered by an unexpected failure of a high-voltage line in the Chico Norte region, as reported by the electrical regulatory authority. Humberto Verdejo, an engineer from the University of Santiago, described the incident as “an atypical system failure,” predicting that restoration of power could take an extended period due to the complexity of the issue. Major events, including Latin America's biggest music festival in Viña del Mar, have been disrupted, with plans for rescheduling performances.

In a surreal incident along the Strait of Magellan, Venezuelan kayaker Adrián Simancas, 23, was accidentally engulfed by a humpback whale while paddling with his father, Dell. As described to BBC Mundo, Simancas first noticed a "slimy texture" as he realized he was inside the whale's mouth. Miraculously, he was expelled moments later without injury. The encounter occurred near Eagle Bay, close to Punta Arenas, when Simancas felt a force pulling him, submerged briefly before surfacing. His father captured this extraordinary moment on camera. According to Brazilian conservationist Roched Jacobson Seba, humpback whales cannot swallow large objects, suggesting that Simancas was accidentally caught while the whale was feeding. The experience left Simancas contemplating his near-death ordeal, which he described as a "second chance." Seba emphasized the need for caution, advising that quieter vessels, such as kayaks and paddleboards, be avoided in areas frequented by whales to prevent such accidents. This remarkable incident highlights the close encounter humans can have with marine life, even in treacherous waters.

A kayaker in Chilean Patagonia had a terrifying moment when a humpback whale briefly trapped him in its mouth before releasing him unharmed. The incident occurred while 21-year-old Adrián Simancas was kayaking with his father, Dell Simancas, who captured the encounter on video. According to Adrián, he feared he had been swallowed by the massive creature. "I thought it had eaten me and swallowed me," he recounted after the ordeal. The incident highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, particularly with large marine animals like humpback whales, which can reach lengths of up to 15 meters (49 feet). Officials remind ocean-goers to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from marine wildlife. Thankfully, both the kayaker and the whale emerged from this encounter without injury, leaving the Simancas family with a remarkable story to tell. The video of the incident, which has garnered attention on social media, showcases the awe and danger of natural settings, reminding viewers of the respect they must extend to wildlife.