AG reader photo: The breach

By AG STAFF 19 July 2012
Reading Time: < 1 Print this page
A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Western Australia in this week’s reader photo.


submit to reddit


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.

Share your own photography and it could be featured on Australian Geographic online!


RELATED STORIES