Local News

‘It was an amazing experience’: Humpback whale breaches next to Swampscott fisherman

The moment was captured by a local television photographer.

July 15, 2024

1 minute to read

A whale breached just feet from a fisherman in a motorized kayak off the coast of Swampscott on Monday morning, in a moment captured by a local television photographer.

Clark Scott told NBC10 Boston he ‘could almost touch’ the whale, about 20 feet from him.

“I was just fishing minding my own business and I heard him breathe out right behind me,” he told the station.

NBC10 Boston photographer Mark Garfinkel captured the moment.

Nahant, Mass. 9:54AM today. I photographed Grant Scott on his small motorized kayak as a whale approached less than 20 feet away! I just now interviewed him, as well, for @NBC10Boston's 4PM and 5PM news. Join @maryathanasia, live from Swampscott. pic.twitter.com/pmV8npNQNP
— Mark Garfinkel (@pictureboston) July 15, 2024

A whale is currently putting on a show between Swampscott and Nahant. An unsuspecting kayaker got a surprise near Egg Rock. Lynn Shore Drive is seen in another view. 📸⁦@pictureboston⁩ pic.twitter.com/4yAIrh9k4O
— NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) July 15, 2024

Clark told NBC10 Boston that he followed the whale into Nahant Bay.

“He was fast,” he said. “I have an electric motor on my kayak so I can zip along and he just went racing past me. Eventually I lost track of him, but it was an amazing experience.”

According to NBC10 Boston, New England Aquarium scientists confirmed the whale was a humpback.