AG reader photo: The breach

By AG STAFF July 19, 2012
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A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Western Australia in this week’s reader photo.


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THIS FANTASTIC SHOT CAPTURING a humpback whale mid-breach off the coast of Busselton, WA, is this week’s Australian Geographic reader shot from David Ashley.

“[This shot was taken in] October last year whilst on a whale watching tour, when the skipper declared that the black shape 500m starboard of our vessel was indeed a dead whale,” says David. “As we drew nearer, there was a sudden spout of water and then the creature disappeared into the depths. Our boat came to a halt and we all stood motionless, both surprised and relieved.”

“It was at that moment when this giant of the deep lunged out of the water, exposing two-thirds of its considerable bulk and no more than 100m away. It arched its back and came crashing back down into the ocean displacing enough water to fill an Olympic-sized pool! Again we all stood motionless, both surprised and in total awe of the event that just took place.”

launch gallery of other reader photos.

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