Drone footage captured on January 27, 2026, off Palos Verdes Estates, California, shows a serene encounter between a gray whale and her calf during their southward migration—until a speeding motorboat abruptly plowed through the shot. The vessel passed directly over the federally protected whales, creating a sudden and dangerous disturbance.

The video, recorded by Mauricio Tassara, shows the mother and calf navigating the coastal waters when the motorboat’s wake cuts across the scene. Fortunately, no visible injuries were observed in the footage, but the incident underscores the risks that high-speed vessels pose to marine mammals.

Gray whales face heightened threats from vessel strikes along California’s coast, particularly between December and April during their annual migration. NOAA Fisheries reports that these risks contributed to a 2019–2023 unusual mortality event, during which 690 gray whales stranded along the West Coast. Experts note that even near-misses or sudden disturbances can stress the animals and interfere with feeding and migration behaviors.

The incident serves as a stark reminder for boaters to maintain safe speeds and distances when operating near protected marine species. Conservationists continue to advocate for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns to prevent vessel strikes and protect gray whale populations along the California coast.