Overview
- The incident was recorded and shared widely after an orca rapidly approached a kayaker in Bahía Rosas and then turned away without causing injury.
- Península Valdés Orca Research identified the animal as the male Pao (PTN‑006) and linked the approach to the sound of the kayak's paddles, which resemble noises made by sea‑lion prey.
- The kayaker, identified as Boris, told investigators he frantically paddled and shouted to signal he was not prey and reached shore shaken but unharmed.
- Experts emphasized there are no documented cases of wild orcas attacking humans and urged people to keep distance from known orca hunting corridors and sea‑lion colonies.
- The episode occurred during a seasonal increase in coastal hunting activity in the Golfo San Matías and highlights a need for clearer local safety guidance for water users in areas where orcas teach and practice hunting techniques.