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Video: Terrifying Footage Shows Killer Whale Attacking Trainer At Sea World
A terrifying video of a killer whale dragging a Sea World trainer underwater has been released.
Although the incident occurred back in 2006 in San Diego, the video wasn't released until now. It was shown in an administrative hearing against Sea World after one of its trainers Dawn Brancheau drowned at an Orlando show after being dragged underwater by an orca in 2010. Author David Kirby requested a copy of the video through a public information request in associatioin with his new book "Death At Sea World: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales."
This video shows the trainer Ken Peters being dragged twice underwater and thrashed around like a plaything by a female orca named Kasatka. The whale ignored commands by other trainers to let Peters go, according to CBS.
Kirby believes that Kasatka was agitated because she could hear the cries of her baby calf during the show while she was set to perform. Peters narrowly escaped with a broken foot.
Afterward, trainers were ordered not to swim with Kasatka and two other orcas, but Sea World was not cited for any OSHA violations. Sea World released a statement in response to the video saying the video "clearly shows the trainer's remarkable composure and the skillful execution of an emergency response plan, which helped result in a successful outcome with minor injuries."
Related:
PETA to Sue SeaWorld for Violating Constitutional Rights of Orca Whales
Shamu Swims Solo? Court Ruling Might Put SeaWorld Trainers on Land for Good During Whale Shows
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