A rare and unforgettable event unfolded over the weekend when a young whale swam dangerously close to the Australian coastline just as the sun was setting. The incident drew large crowds of tourists, who gathered along the bridge connecting Forster and Tuncurry on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Drone photographer Shane Chalker captured incredible images of the scene on Sunday, showing people stopping in their tracks to witness the spectacle. He described the moment as “extremely cool,” noting that such a close encounter with a whale is a “special occasion.”
“Many people were running alongside the whale as it moved along the bridge,” he said. “Although I couldn’t hear their reactions, it was clear this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them.”
Upon closer inspection, it’s evident that some individuals had abandoned their bikes to watch the massive marine mammal. A parent and child can be seen turning their heads in awe, while others pulled out their phones to capture the moment. Despite being a juvenile, the whale appeared enormous compared to the human onlookers.
Local woman Sarah Thompson shared her experience with Yahoo News, expressing how “in awe” she was of the whale. She snapped a stunning photo of an excited crowd watching the animal from the wharf at Forster.
“The whole thing was so beautiful to see,” she said. “To see such a majestic animal in such close proximity was incredible.”
The whale has been identified as a humpback, but it has deviated from its usual migratory route, heading inland towards Wallis Lake. As a result, a search is underway to locate it. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) confirmed that volunteers have received input from the local community.
“Whales have been in that area before; it’s not unheard of,” said spokesperson Craig Ryan. “It could just be that it’s taking a break from the conditions because the water is calmer. But until we can make an assessment, we don’t know.”
Marine experts are urging boaters along Australia’s east coast to remain vigilant. Every year, humpbacks arrive earlier and in greater numbers, increasing the risk of collisions. The Mid North Coast is a popular spot for boaters and fishers, and Marine Rescue NSW has warned anyone taking to the water to be cautious.
Geoff Anderson, commander of the Forster Tuncurry unit, explained that whales near the surface can cause significant damage to vessels. “If you’re not keeping a good lookout, you could actually run into one,” he said. “Whales are generally bigger than boats, and if one comes up underneath, they could tip you out and throw you in the water.”
Anyone who spots the whale is encouraged to maintain a distance of at least 300 metres and report its location to ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333.
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