A fisherman has been knocked unconscious after being whacked across the face by a whale’s tale, in what paramedics have described as an “extremely rare” and “extraordinary” encounter.
The man, aged in his 30s, was fishing around 1km out from the Tweed Heads bar in his tinny when he was suddenly struck by the mammal’s tail.
“All of a sudden a whale’s tail appeared striking one in the head,” Queensland Ambulance Service Senior Paramedic Scott Brown said.
“You have a little bit of disbelief that it’s happened at first.
“Just two guys having a morning fish and all of a sudden a whale’s tail appeared, striking one in the head”.
The man was instantly knocked unconscious, but thankfully a friend who was driving the boat was able to call for help.
Water police and paramedics rushed to the scene and were able to bring the injured fisherman back to the mainland.
He was then taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital with facial and spinal injuries.
“He was very lucky to get away with the injuries he has,” Mr Brown said.
“He was sore and sorry… Couldn’t believe what happened – not really remembering everything that happened, but was in a good way”.
John Murray from Marine Rescue NSW was just as shocked by the incident.
“I’ve been doing this for 22 years and I’ve never heard of a whale actually hitting someone on a stationary boat,” he said.
“We’ve had boats come in contact with whales before but not actually a person sitting in a boat.”
