The great escape: seal flees killer whales by jumping on to photographers boat

Published: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 2:34 am

Seal's Dramatic Escape from Orcas Captured on Camera

A wildlife photographer witnessed a remarkable display of survival in the Salish Sea, capturing the dramatic escape of a harbor seal from a pod of killer whales. Charvet Drucker, on a whale-watching excursion, documented the intense hunt, which culminated in the seal seeking refuge on her boat.

Drucker observed a pod of at least eight killer whales, also known as orcas, exhibiting coordinated hunting behavior. The orcas appeared to be targeting a harbor seal, which was attempting to evade the predators. The photographer captured images of the seal leaping through the air, seemingly moments before its demise.

As the orcas closed in on the boat, Drucker and her group adhered to wildlife boating regulations by cutting the engine. The seal, in a desperate attempt to survive, climbed onto the boat's swimming platform, near the motor. Drucker, while filming, expressed empathy for the seal, acknowledging its precarious situation.

The orcas, however, did not immediately abandon their pursuit. They employed a technique known as wave-washing, where they lined up and dove in a staggered manner to create waves, attempting to dislodge the seal. This behavior has been documented by scientists for decades. The seal slid off the boat at least once but managed to climb back on. After approximately 15 minutes, the orcas ceased their efforts and swam away.

Drucker, who has previously photographed orcas with dead seals, admitted to having a change of heart during the encounter. While generally supportive of the orcas, she found herself rooting for the seal's survival once it sought refuge on her boat. The killer whales in this area are known as Biggs or transient orcas, which are better fed than other more specialized species.

BNN's Perspective: This incident highlights the complex dynamics of the marine ecosystem. While the natural order of predator and prey is essential, the seal's survival underscores the resilience of wildlife. The photographer's documentation provides a unique glimpse into the behaviors of both the orcas and the seal, reminding us of the delicate balance within the natural world.

Keywords: killer whales, orcas, seal, hunting, survival, wildlife, photography, Salish Sea, wave-washing, Biggs orcas, transient orcas, harbor seal, boat, escape

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