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Harbor Seal Escapes Pod of Orcas by Climbing Onto Photographer’s Boat Near Seattle

Newly posted footage spotlights Bigg’s orcas using the documented wave‑washing technique under NOAA‑advised viewing rules.

Overview

  • Wildlife photographer Charvet Drucker filmed the encounter off Camano Island after spotting a pod of at least eight killer whales hunting a harbor seal.
  • The seal clambered onto the boat’s stern platform as the orcas repeatedly tried to dislodge it for roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Video shows the whales lining up to generate waves that rocked the vessel, with the seal slipping off at least once before getting back on.
  • The boaters cut their engine and did not touch the animals, following federal and state guidance for safe marine‑wildlife viewing.
  • After the pod left, the seal remained on board until the boat reached safer waters near shore, then departed on its own, and no injuries or enforcement actions were reported.