A Desperate Leap for Survival
In a remarkable wildlife encounter, a harbour seal cheated death by making a desperate leap onto a photographer's boat while being hunted by a pod of killer whales in the Salish Sea. Wildlife photographer Charvet Drucker captured the entire dramatic sequence on camera from her rented 20ft vessel, located about 40 miles north-west of Seattle.
The Hunt Unfolds
Drucker initially spotted at least eight killer whales displaying coordinated hunting behaviour, including distinctive tail slaps that indicated they were pursuing prey. Using her zoom lens, she identified their target - a harbour seal desperately trying to flee the pursuing pod. At one point, Drucker photographed the seal flying through the air above the frothing water churned by the orcas, assuming she was witnessing the animal's final moments.
As the pod drew closer to her boat, which had its engine cut off in compliance with wildlife boating regulations, Drucker realised the seal was still alive and being actively pursued. In a stunning move, the seal clambered out of the water and onto the swimming platform at the stern of the boat near the motor, effectively claiming the vessel as an impromptu life raft.
The Orcas' Relentless Pursuit
The orcas didn't abandon their hunt easily. Instead, they employed a sophisticated hunting technique known as "wave-washing", where they lined up and executed staggered dives to create waves aimed at dislodging the seal from its temporary sanctuary. This method, documented by scientists since the 1980s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nearly succeeded as the seal slid off the boat at least once before managing to scramble back to safety.
Throughout the 15-minute standoff, Drucker filmed video while adhering to regulations that prohibited touching or interfering with the seal. She could be heard reassuring the terrified animal, saying "You're good, just stay, buddy" as it looked up at her. Eventually, the orcas abandoned their efforts and swam away, leaving the seal unharmed.
Drucker, who normally supports the orcas' hunting activities, admitted her allegiances shifted during the encounter. "I'm definitely team orca, all day, every day. But once that seal was on the boat, I kind of turned [into] team seal," she told the Associated Press. The hunting orcas were identified as Bigg's or "transient" orcas, which prey on seals and other marine animals in the area and are generally better fed than their salmon-focused "resident" counterparts.
