Sailor Couple Rescued After Whale Collision Sinks Yacht Off New Zealand Coast
Jeremy and Jemma Cooper, a sailing couple, were rescued after their yacht, the Tai Tam, was struck by a sperm whale approximately 500 nautical miles off the coast of New Zealand. The couple reported feeling a significant lurch to the port side of their vessel, realizing they had been hit by something substantial. Following the impact, they observed a pod of six sperm whales swimming behind their boat. The collision caused their yacht to take on water and eventually sink. The Coopers, along with two other sailors who were aboard the vessel, were forced to evacuate into a life raft. After 17 hours adrift, they were successfully rescued by a passing container ship. Despite the traumatic experience, the couple has expressed their intention to return to the water in the near future.
