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2 months ago
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A humpback whale has capsized a small fishing boat off the coast of New Hampshire with two frightened sailors on board.
The large mammal was caught on camera breaching through the waters off the coast of Portsmouth on Tuesday.
In the startling footage, the animal can be seen bringing its snout down on the rear of the small vessel sending the two people onboard into the water.
The boat can be seen floating on the water on its side before it starts to submerge and flip over.
The large mammal was caught on camera breaching through the waters off the coast of Portsmouth
Another clip shows the boat being towed by another fishermen nearby who captured the whole scene.
It is understood that everyone onboard escaped without injury.
It remains unclear exactly when the incident happened, although the footage first appeared on social media early on Tuesday afternoon.
Since the footage ended up on social media, users have been left commenting on the clip.
One person said: 'This is crazy - whales don't do that by accident.'
Another added: 'This is insane to watch', while some posted: 'That boat folded so quick.'
According to WGME, the humpback, which is believed to be about two years old. has been spotted around the Maine and New Hampshire border over the last week.
This is close to where the whale was filmed off Portsmouth.
In the terrifying footage, the animal can be seen bringing its nose down on the rear of the small vessel sending the two people onboard into the water
The boat was left submerged in the water following the incident, which first appeared on social media on Tuesday afternoon
Another clip shows the boat being towed by another fishermen nearby who captured the whole scene
It is unclear what prompted the humpback to breach next to the the boat.
While Orcas have been known to attack boats, humpbacks generally only approach boats when curious, rather than angry or feeling threatened.
Humpbacks are generally considered gentle, although people who choose to swim with them are potentially at risk of being struck by the animal's fluke (tail) if they end up swimming into a blind spot.
Dianna Schulte of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation told WGME: 'We're hoping it leaves the area soon.
'There have been a lot of menhaden, which is a type of small bait fish, in the river recently. So likely, it was coming into the river just looking for some food.'
Humpbacks grow up to 56 feet in length and can weigh up to 40 tones. Their diet consists of krill and small fish.
They were almost driven to extinction by whaling in the early 20th century, but have made a good recovery.
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