A video posted by free-diver Aidan Bedford shows him coming face to face with a male orca, also known as a ‘killer whale.’ Bedford shared the video on his Instagram account, where he described his encounter and why he believes the orca did not harm him.
Bedford explained that he and his team went out in search of mobula rays but encountered orcas instead. When they arrived, they noticed that the orcas appeared to be feeding on a recent kill.
According to Bedford, the orca turned towards the swimmers and gave them a close look but did not attack. He speculates that the orca was likely disappointed to find humans instead of its intended prey, such as a turtle or ray.
Bedford further explained that, based on his personal experiences, he does not believe the orca displayed any aggression towards him and the other swimmers. He believes that the orca was simply curious about their presence.
Bedford also pointed out that humans have bacteria on their hands that can be harmful to marine mammals, including orcas, fish, and sharks. He advised against attempting to touch or interact with these animals.
The encounter between Bedford and the orca highlights the importance of respecting marine life and observing them from a safe distance.