In brief
A couple of sailors relayed how a massive sperm whale slammed into their yacht, the Tai Tam, while off New Zealand. The ship took on water, leading the crew to evacuate into a life‑raft. A container ship rescued them after 17 hours at sea. The pair expressed relief and a strong desire to sail again, epitomizing human resilience.
A sailor couple, Jeremy and Gemma Cooper, recount the terrifying moment when a massive sperm whale slammed into their yacht, the Tai Tam, 500 nautical miles off the coast of New Zealand.
The vessel lurched to port side, taking on water as the whales—six in all—swam ominously behind it. The Coopers, along with two other crew members, abandoned ship and launched a life‑raft.
Seventeen hours later a passing container ship pulled them from the dark Atlantic and delivered them to safety. Despite the ordeal, the couple said they are eager to take to the water again soon.
Video produced by Lana Lam, edited by Alex Foster.