The incident occurred near the Piscataqua River on Tuesday morning. A humpback whale lunged out of the water, landing on a 21-foot fishing vessel.
Two fishermen were tossed into the sea but rescued by nearby teenagers. This rare event has left marine biologists puzzled about the whale’s unusual behavior. Did you know? Humpback whales can weigh up to 40 tons and grow to 60 feet long.
Teen Heroes: Brothers Rescue Fishermen from Whale Encounter
Wyatt and Colin Yager, teenage brothers from Eliot, Maine, witnessed the incident. They quickly sprang into action, rescuing Greg Paquette and Ryland Kenney from the water.
The brothers’ quick thinking and bravery potentially saved lives. What other marine dangers might these young heroes face in the future?
Unusual Sightings: Humpbacks Venture Close to Shore Recently
Multiple humpback whale sightings have been reported near the coast. Experts believe abundant schools of bait fish are attracting the whales. This phenomenon has been observed from Maine to Massachusetts.
Will these close encounters lead to more dangerous interactions between whales and boats? In 2022, there were over 1,000 reported whale sightings along the New England coast.
Feeding Frenzy: Whales Hunt Menhaden in Coastal Waters
Humpback whales are targeting menhaden, a small prey fish. They use a technique called bubble-net feeding to corral their prey.
This behavior brings whales dangerously close to boats and shorelines. How will this impact local fishing industries and marine tourism?
Boater Safety: NOAA Issues Guidelines for Whale Encounters
NOAA advises maintaining a safe distance from whales. Boaters should watch for bubbles and move slowly in whale-populated areas.
Experts recommend retracting fishing lines if whales are nearby. Will these guidelines be enough to prevent future incidents? The first recorded whale-boat collision in New England occurred in 1805.
Identifying the Culprit: Biologists Seek Photos of Whale
Marine biologists are requesting public assistance to identify the whale. They need clear photos of the dorsal fin and tail fluke.
This information could help track the whale’s movements and behavior. What secrets might this whale’s identity reveal about its unusual actions?
Unprecedented Event: Experts Shocked by Whale’s River Presence
Jen Kennedy, executive director of the Blue Ocean Society, expressed surprise. She had never heard of a humpback in the Piscataqua River before.
This recent sighting breaks a three-decade record of observations. What environmental changes might be driving this new behavior?
Blind Spot Theory: Experts Explain Possible Cause of Collision
Linnea Mayfield, a natural manager at Boston City Cruises, suggests the incident was accidental. Humpbacks have a blind spot when lunging for food.
The boat may have been in this blind spot during the whale’s feeding attempt. Could this vulnerability lead to more dangerous encounters in the future?
Juvenile Whale: Young Humpback Spotted Multiple Times Recently
A juvenile humpback has been sighted several times in the past weeks. It was seen near Pepperell Cove and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Experts believe it’s chasing menhaden upriver.
What risks does this young whale face in unfamiliar waters? Did you know? Juvenile humpbacks typically stay with their mothers for about a year before becoming independent.
Lingering Whales: Why Humpbacks Stick Around Feeding Areas
Humpbacks often remain in areas with abundant food sources. This behavior can lead to prolonged presence in unexpected locations.
Experts warn this could increase the risk of human-whale interactions. How might this impact local ecosystems and maritime activities?
