Dramatic video shows whale capsizing boat off New Hampshire

Two boaters escaped with their lives off New Hampshire after a whale breached and capsized their vessel in a dramatic spectacle that was captured on video, the Coast Guard said Tuesday.

The boaters, who were essentially catapulted into the Atlantic Ocean when the giant mammal breached and struck the back of the 23-foot vessel, were rescued by good Samaritans, the Coast Guard said in a series of posts on X.

The incident occurred near Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, it said.

Video shows the whale breaching the water and striking the rear of the boat. At least one of the boaters is seen plunging into the water.

ocean whale breach animal wild (Courtesy Colin Yager)
ocean whale breach animal wild (Courtesy Colin Yager)

Colin Yager, who recorded he video, told NBC News on Tuesday that after the whale breached, he and his brother picked up the boaters.

No injuries were reported, according to the Coast Guard.

“We are grateful to the good samaritans for taking such quick action to rescue these two individuals. Bravo Zulu!” it said.

The Coast Guard crew from Station Portsmouth reported the whale appeared to be uninjured, the agency said. The boat was salvaged, it added.

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