A videographer has shared one of the most “unreal” encounters he’s ever experienced.
Euan Rannachan is no stranger to the ocean’s magnificent creatures.
He is known for his wildlife photography and specialises in snapping incredible images of sharks.
But he also swims with other powerful predators.
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And the 39-year-old recently shared a video online of the “unreal” moment he came across a pod of orcas, or killer whales.
The staggering footage has since gained over 8,000 views.
“Every trip out there is unpredictable in the best way,” the photographer and filmmaker told What’s The Jam.
“You head out hoping for something wild – maybe dolphins or mobulas – but nothing’s guaranteed.
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“That mystery is part of the magic. I definitely wasn’t expecting what we got that day.”
The footage was captured in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez.
It is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean that separates the Baja California peninsula from the Mexican mainland.
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Euan, who was leading an ocean safari at the time of the encounter, said: “We were right on the edge of some of the most alive ocean I’ve ever seen.
“And then, there they were.
“It was honestly one of the most unreal wildlife encounters of my life.
“A pod of orcas came straight toward us.
“I slipped into the water calmly, camera ready, and a mother and calf gilded right beneath me – and the calf was nursing.
“Already a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
“But what floored me was when they slowed down and really looked at us.
“There was no aggression – just pure curiosity.
“The baby came back to circle us again.
“You could feel their awareness. It felt like a true connection, and I’ve never forgotten it.”
In the video, Euan can be seen sitting on a boat before he spots a blowhole.
He then shows the whales in the distance before slipping off the vessel into the water.
In the deep blue sea, he finds himself surrounded by a pod of Orcas, including adults and a baby.
He captioned the post: “Saw the blowhole in the distance and knew it was go time… then spent what felt like a full minute trying to gracefully swing my legs over the side of the boat with fins on.
“Nailed the entry, though.
“This moment right here – one I’ll never forget. A mother orca and her calf drifted beneath me… and the baby was nursing as they swam past.
“A rare, quiet moment with the Queens of the ocean.”
Since posting the video, it has gathered hundreds of likes and plenty of comments from fans.
Ryan said: “Bro! What?!!!!”
Chris added: “So rad.”
Someone else said: “Keep up the GREAT work!”
Karine added: “Truly magical!”
Lou said, “What an incredible experience.”
Euan, from Placerville, California, plans on re-visiting the area in June.
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