Seal Boards Boat to Escape Orcas in Washington Waters

A wildlife photographer and her companions inadvertently provided sanctuary to a harbor seal fleeing a pod of killer whales during a whale-watching outing off Camano Island, Washington, on November 2.

Charvet Drucker, along with Smith Siromaskul and Terese DeBoer Drummond, were aboard a rented 20-foot boat in Saratoga Passage, part of the Salish Sea about 40 miles northwest of Seattle, when they spotted at least eight orcas approximately 300 to 400 yards away. The group initially observed the whales from a distance, but soon noticed signs of a hunt, including tail slaps, porpoising and coordinated movements. Using the zoom lens on her camera, Drucker captured images of the harbor seal leaping through frothing water amid the pod, initially believing it marked the animal's final moments.

As the orcas approached the boat, the observers realized the seal was still evading capture. Following federal wildlife boating regulations to avoid injuring the whales, the trio shut off the engine and drifted. The seal then made a direct approach and clambered onto the vessel's stern swimming platform, seeking refuge near the motor. Regulations also prohibit direct interference with marine...