Fisherman Swims 15 Hours to Shore While 2 Crew Mates Drowned After Suspected Whale Strike; Are Humpbacks Aggressive?

Three fishermen sailed, but their fishing expedition didn't end well. Only one of them lived to tell the tale.

Fisherman Survives Suspected Whale Strike

Three friends - Flavio Barceló, Eriberto Holguín Rivera, and Jhon Palma López - sailed on the evening of July 4 to fish for Corvina. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned after a suspected whale strike threw all three overboard.

Barceló told Extra (via Newsweek) that his partner, Eriberto, told him to look out for a whale or boat. He remembered them advancing and told him to watch out for a whale.

However, the warning was too late as they hit the whale and instantly fell into the water. The incident reportedly happened at 11 p.m. that night.

Barceló said he and his crew mates were thrown into the water, and they left the vessel to motor on its own. The three swam toward the shores of the city of Manta, hoping that someone would see and rescue them.

However, at 4 a.m. Palma was too exhausted and drowned, according to Carmen Rivera, a relative of Rivera. Barceló and Riversa continued while carrying Lopez's body. However, at 8 a.m., Rivera also succumbed to sheer exhaustion.

Barceló swam for 15 hours. He reached the harbor of San Lorenzo Parish at 4 p.m. on July 4.

He was immediately transferred to a health center for a medical examination. Doctors found water and phlegm in his lungs.

Despite what had happened, Barceló was thankful to God that he survived. According to him, he was "born again."

Meanwhile, Rivera and Lopez's families requested the Ecuadorian navy to help them find their bodies.

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Are Humpback Whales Aggressive?

The outlet noted that the whale species involved in the incident hasn't been identified yet. However, the humpback whale in San Mateo is the most commonly encountered whale.

A study published in Frontiers in Marine Science in 2021 revealed that humpback whales are the most commonly hit whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Unfortunately, such encounters can have tragic effects on humans and animals.

According to Discover Wildlife, humpback whales are typically peaceful and non-aggressive creatures. It is quite rare that they will hurt a person. However, they are enormous, curious, and occasionally approach vessels.

Humpback whales have been known to breach and attack vessels due to their acrobatic inclinations.

In one instance, a Canadian woman was killed in 2015 when a breaching humpback whale landed on her snorkeling tour boat. However, this is exceedingly uncommon because humpback whales are usually alert to their surroundings and steer clear of boats and swimmers.

According to Marine Patch, humpbacks are smart and friendly. They regularly interact with dolphins and other marine life.

Also, they protect seals from orcas. The outlet noted when a humpback rolled over and allowed a seal to hop onto its belly to keep it from a pod of orcas.

Humpback whales are reportedly the vigilante of the sea, and they protect other marine species.