A terrifying close encounter between a canoeist and an orca was caught on camera off the coast of Argentina after the massive predator appeared to charge directly toward the small vessel before abruptly turning away at the last second.
The incident unfolded Monday afternoon near Bahia Rosas in the Golfo San Matias, according to Peninsula Valdes Orca Research, which shared footage of the encounter online.
Video shows the black-and-white orca slicing through the water toward the shoreline as the canoeist paddles frantically through shallow surf moments before the whale suddenly veers away and heads back out to sea.
Researchers identified the orca as a male named Pao, also known as PTN-006 for tracking purposes.
In a statement posted alongside the footage, the marine wildlife group said they believe the whale was likely drawn in by the sound of the paddles striking the water and may have mistaken the canoeist for prey.
The researchers said the whale turned around after realizing the object in the water was a person in a canoe.
Despite the frightening footage, experts say wild orca attacks on humans are considered extraordinarily rare.
According to the research center, there have been no confirmed fatal attacks by wild orcas on humans, with nearly all documented aggressive incidents involving captive whales.
A lone canoeist paddled frantically toward shore as a massive orca named Pao appeared to charge through the water off the coast of Argentina before abruptly turning away
Researchers said the male orca, known as PTN-006, likely mistook the sound of the paddles for potential prey before realizing the canoe contained a human
The organization emphasized that there are ‘no records of orca attacks on human beings except in captivity.’
Still, the group acknowledged the terror the canoeist likely experienced during the encounter.
‘We can only imagine the fear this person must have felt,’ the statement added.
No injuries were reported.
The footage quickly spread online, with many viewers expressing shock at how close the whale came to the canoe before turning away.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are apex predators capable of hunting seals, dolphins and even great white sharks. Adult males can grow up to 32 feet long and weigh more than 10 tons.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Peninsula Valdes Orca Research for comment.
