Rare humpback sighting off US coast stuns fishermen

Three Florida fishermen about 20 miles off Port Canaveral saw and filmed a small pod of humpback whales while keeping a respectful distance, according to reports; officials note humpbacks are native to Florida waters and have faced past population declines.

Three Florida fishermen had an unexpected encounter about 20 miles off Port Canaveral when they came upon a large humpback whale breaking the surface. The men initially thought another boat was causing unusually large waves, then realized they were watching a whale and possibly a small pod. They kept a respectful distance, recorded video, and later described the sight as memorable. Officials have noted that humpback whales are native to Florida waters and have experienced population declines after decades of over-harvesting. Observed details: - Three fishermen reported the sighting roughly 20 miles offshore near Port Canaveral. - The group first thought another vessel was creating large waves before spotting a breaching humpback. - The fishermen estimated each whale at about 25 feet long and suspected a small pod. - They kept a distance reported as roughly the length of three football fields and captured video of the animals. - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports humpbacks are native to Florida waters, with protections beginning internationally in 1966 and current threats including vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Summary: The encounter was described by those aboard as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is presented as an example of how conservation measures have helped whale populations begin to recover. Undetermined at this time.