A real lobster diver was trapped in a whale's mouth, like the movie Whalefall
Michael Packard said he was trapped in a whale's mouth for around 30 to 40 seconds off the coast of Massachusetts before it spit him out
After watching the movie Whalefall, I had to find out if anyone had ever been swallowed by a whale. Whalefall is a fictional story adapted from a novel, but a real life lobster diver named Michael Packard almost became the first person in human history to be swallowed by one.
Michael Packard said he was trapped for around 30 to 40 seconds
In June 2021, Packard was engulfed by a whale off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts. He said he was trapped in its mouth for around 30 to 40 seconds, but luckily the mammal surfaced and spit him out. It was traumatizing for him, but he only suffered a few minor bruises.
Humpback whales have a throat the size of a fist
It turns out it would have been almost impossible for him to get swallowed, as humpback whales only have a throat the size of a fist.
Would you go back in the water after that?
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Adapted with AI from Movie Facts Pro's video of 17 October 2026 and reviewed by Digital Fox Talent before publication. Editorial standards · Corrections
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