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Offline pastorp

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Killer whale attack
« on: September 01, 2005, 01:22:11 PM »
Any of you guys hear about the aborted killer whale attack in Helm bay north of Ketchikan. The story is in the Ketchikan Daily News Aug.18 edition. There is a forest service cabin in the bay and a 12 year old boy and his family were staying in it.
On sat aug. 13 the boy swam to an island in the bay. He was in about 4' of water almost to the island when a adult killer whale came at him at high speed. At almost contact distance the whale aborted the attack and only bumped the boy. The pressure wave pushed the boy up on the beach. Too close for me. I had one breach about 50' from a 18' skiff one time when I was running about 30 knots. truly awesome animals. Regards, Byron
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Byron

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Offline Dand

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was it really an attack???
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2005, 07:56:26 AM »
Didn't see the article but from what you relate its hard to be certain it was an attack.  Scary as all get out for sure.  Sure glad the boy is ok.

When I was boating in Unalaska Bay and knew orcas were around I was always very careful and stayed as far away as possible.  They are so big that even if they didn't want to hurt you, they could by accident.

Once while boating (18 foot Boston Whaler) into Canoe Bay on the Alaska Peninsula, we interrupted 2 orcas chasing a sea lion right in the very narrow entrance.   Spooky for a moment.  Both whales were able to dive under us and the sea lion hit the beach.  We sure saved his tail that day.

This Ketchikan report sure is interesting. Hopefully folks will be alert to other behavior in case orcas have decided to get aggressive.
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Offline pastorp

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Killer whale attack
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2005, 08:24:34 AM »
Most folks around here feel that it was a case of mistaken identity. When the Orca realized the boy was not a seal he aborted the attack. Our divers occasionally have one follow the bubble trail down to investigate but leave when they see the diver. There sure have been a lot of Orcas this season down here though. Regards, Byron  :D
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Offline Sourdough

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Killer whale attack
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2005, 01:44:21 PM »
My first thought also was that it was a case of mistaken idenity.  I've heard of  them going after Moose swimming across between islands.  And seen them going after Seals and Otters.  Always wondered why they don't attack humans, but have heard how they go out of their way to avoid humans.  Of course Native Elders will tell you why they don't attack.  Maybe there is something to it.  Sounds reasoniable under the current circomstances to me.
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Offline myronman3

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Killer whale attack
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2005, 01:06:33 PM »
i had the opportunity to move up there years ago and didnt.  now i have a good job,  wife, and kids.  kind of tied down and regret it.   what can you do?    appreciate what you have.
 
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Of course Native Elders will tell you why they don't attack. Maybe there is something to it. Sounds reasoniable under the current circomstances to me.


enlighten me, please.
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Offline Sourdough

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Killer whale attack
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2005, 05:22:11 AM »
The native elders say that, back in the beginning their forefathers made a pact with the Orca.  Each agreeing, "If you do not hunt us, we will not hunt you".  So from the beginning of time, the people have not hunted the Orca, and the Orca have not hunted the people.  "They respect oneanother, and co-exist".
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Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.
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