Vancouver photographer captures images of orcas ‘metres’ from his kayak
Liam Brennan had a once-in-a-lifetime experience while kayaking near the University of British Columbia last Wednesday.
The 23-year-old headed out near Locarno Beach in the evening, a route he frequently paddles.
But this time, his routine route was far from ordinary.
As he lifted his paddle to turn around and head back in, he noticed an unusual sound about a kilometre in the distance.
"I heard the blow, which I suspected was a whale, but I immediately told myself, 'there's no way,'” said Brennan.
But his instincts were right.
"I looked over my shoulder and there was huge a dorsal fin on the horizon,” he said. "It was a mix of terror, but exhilaration like, ‘Oh my god this is actually happening?’”
Within a few minutes, a pod of orcas came within metres of his kayak.
"One male kind of did a circle around me, there was a female on one side of me. At one point I was just surrounded, which was just spectacular."
The incredible moment happened within minutes, but he managed to pull out his DSLR camera to capture the experience.
“It raised its head right out of the water, must have been 15 or 20 metres from kayak, so unbelievable”
Fascinated by marine life, he posted the photos online in hopes of identifying the pod.
Researchers determined the three transient killer whales were a mother with her two sons.
"Scientists that spend a lot of time around these whales can ID the individuals based on their dorsal fin, the white patch above their eye and the grey area behind their dorsal fin,” said Dr. Beth Volpov with the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia.
"This is an extremely rare experience, seeing a transient killer whale from a kayak is like winning the lottery."
There's about 350 transient killer whales swimming in and out of Salish Sea. A male orca can grow up between six and nine metres long, more than triple the size of an average kayak.
“My images, especially of the male orca, right in front of the city skyline can be a pretty powerful symbol of ecological resilience,” said Brennan. “I think it’s a pretty cool juxtaposition to have this symbol of wild nature right in front of the city and I hope it conveys the message that we’re always connected to nature.”
The incredible moment was made even more special for Brennan, who now holds a UBC Environmental Science degree.
"For it to happen, just under a week before I was graduating was pretty amazing, I was pretty excited.”
His dream to paddle alongside orcas is what he says he’ll remember as a graduation gift--a memory he’ll never forget.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.