A Giant Humpback Whale Unexpectedly Surfaces Right Beside a Fisherman on an Alaskan Pier

Every time I see a whale I’m in awe, but being this close was something special

A fisherman in Ketchikan, Alaska named Cy Williams was on the pier of Knudson Cove Marina when a giant open-mouthed humpback whale unexpectedly surfaced right beside him to feed. While the giant rorqual came incredibly close, Williams had the presence of mind to record the moment.

A humpback whale surfaced, mouth open, right beside a fisherman standing on a marina pier near Ketchikan, Alaska. The animal came as close to him as the boats moored on the other side of the dock. The witness estimates the humpback’s size at between 40 and 50 feet.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.