A Cook Islands native had an incredibly close encounter with a humpback whale while swimming in the waters near the island nation. Nan Hauser, an experienced diver and whale researcher, was approached by the massive marine mammal and pushed around for over 10 minutes.

The incident took place in October 2017, but footage of the encounter has only recently been released. Hauser had been swimming off the coast of Rarotonga, one of the Cook Islands, when the whale appeared.

At first, Hauser wasn’t sure what the whale was up to, but it soon became clear that it was very interested in her. The humpback repeatedly pushed her around and tried to tuck her under its huge pectoral fin.

Hauser, who has spent over 28 years studying whales, said that she had never encountered such a tactile and insistent whale before. She was afraid that the whale’s roughhousing could result in broken bones or ruptured organs. At one point, the whale held her under its pectoral fin, and Hauser thought that she might drown.

Despite her fear, Hauser tried to remain calm and figure out how to get away from the whale. She said that she felt a close kinship with animals and didn’t want to panic and make the situation worse.

The incident has attracted international attention, with many people expressing amazement at the footage. Humpback whales are known for their curious and playful behavior, but encounters like this one are relatively rare.

Experts say that the whale may have been trying to protect Hauser from a nearby tiger shark, which was also spotted in the area. Whales are known to be protective of smaller animals, and it’s possible that the humpback was trying to keep Hauser safe.

The incident highlights the importance of respecting marine life and their habitats. Swimming with whales can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to do so responsibly and to keep a safe distance. Hauser’s encounter shows that even experienced divers can be caught off guard by the behavior of wild animals.

Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world, and the importance of protecting it for future generations.