Miracle escape for two female California kayakers after humpback whale scoops them up in its jaws before SPITTING THEM OUT
- Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel were kayaking and whale spotting on Monday
- A humpback whale suddenly emerged and appeared to swallow the whole kayak
- Both women escaped unharmed but onlookers feared they had been swallowed
A humpback whale nearly swallowed two women whole when it leaped out of the water into their kayak.
Julie McSorley and her friend Liz Cottriel were whale watching in Avila Beach, California, on Monday afternoon.
The pair sat in kayaks while watching the whales below the surface when they had their close call with the large mammal.
Footage taken by the duo shows the exhilarating moment when they were sent flying in the air as the large whale breached the surface.
A humpback whale nearly swallowed two women whole when it leaped out of the water into their kayak
The pair’s screams are muffled as they go falling into the water.
Whatever is recording the wild moment captures an up-close visual of the whale, showing its large gray body under the water.
Another video, taken by a fellow whale watcher shows the hunchback whale scoop up the boat and the two friends, taking everyone by surprise.
The pair were lifted into the air in the jaws of the whale but they fortunately managed to escape.
Liz told Fox 26 News: ‘I’m thinking to myself, “I’m gonna push.” Like, I’m gonna push a whale out of the way! It was the weirdest thought. I’m thinking, “I’m dead. I’m dead.” I thought it was gonna land on me,’ Cottriel said. ‘Next thing I know, I’m under water.’
Concerned paddleboarders and kayakers quickly rushed over to help the two women.
Julie McSorley (left) and her friend Liz Cottriel (right) were whale watching in Avila Beach, California , on Monday afternoon.
Footage taken by another whale watcher shows the mammal scoop up the boat and the two friends
The pair were lifted into the air in the jaws of the whale but they fortunately managed to escape
Fortunately Julie resurfaced first and seconds later, Liz also escaped unharmed.
The pair managed to retrieve the kayak and ride it back to shore.
Liz said: ‘We got back to the car, I was shaking my shirt and a bunch of fish came out of my shirt.’
The only damage was Julie losing her car keys in the close call but both survived unharmed.
Liz said: ‘I was infatuated by them and in awe. But I never expected one to be right here, in my face!’