Watkins recounted his experience to the West Australian, revealing that the whale’s stomach was filled with gas, causing its body to become grotesquely bloated. “Its stomach was full of gas so it was all bloated up. When we got closer we realized it had to be a dead whale because of the smell,” he explained.
Accompanied by his father on a fishing trip, Watkins was taken aback by the sight before him. Photographs captured by Watkins depict the whale’s skin stretched to its limits, revealing a pinkish hue and hinting at the immense pressure within.
However, the story took an unexpected twist as the pair headed back to shore. They noticed that the once-inflated whale had started to deflate, with chunks missing – the result of sharks that had taken advantage of the unusual opportunity for a meal.
“We actually did have a 3.5 to 4m white pointer [shark] around our boat that day – it seemed more interested in our boat than the whale,” Watkins shared, providing insight into the dynamic marine ecosystem they had encountered.
In the waters off Western Australia, the presence of humpback whales is a familiar sight during the summer months. Yet, even with such familiarity, nature always manages to surprise and astound. Watkins’ encounter with the massive floating sea creature serves as a poignant reminder of the ocean’s mysteries and the interconnected relationships that shape its diverse inhabitants.
As the ocean continues to reveal its hidden marvels, tales like this one capture our imagination and deepen our appreciation for the enchanting and sometimes bewildering world that lies beneath the waves.
