900 Pound Dolphin Jumps Into Fishing Boat
A routine fishing expedition off New Zealand’s North Island transformed into an extraordinary encounter when a massive bottlenose dolphin unexpectedly leaped into a small fishing vessel. The incident occurred near the renowned Hole in the Rock formation, a popular spot known for its scenic beauty and marine life.
Dean Harrison, the owner of the nearly 16-foot open-top boat, along with two companions, was enjoying a calm day on the water. As they observed dolphins playing nearby, an unforeseen event unfolded. A shadow briefly obscured the bright summer sun, followed by a thunderous crash, as a 3.4-meter (11-foot), 900-pound juvenile male dolphin landed aboard their vessel.
The sudden arrival of the dolphin caused immediate chaos. The powerful creature’s thrashing broke all their fishing rods and inflicted significant damage to the boat’s bow. The fishermen clung to the sides of the vessel amidst the turmoil. One of the men sustained minor injuries to his arm, but fortunately, all three and the dolphin survived the ordeal without serious harm.
Given the dolphin’s substantial size, returning it to the sea unaided was not feasible. Recognizing the need to care for the stranded animal, the fishermen contacted New Zealand’s conservation agency for guidance. During the hour-long journey back to shore, they ensured the dolphin’s well-being by keeping it wet with a hose and shielding it from the sun using a damp towel featuring the All Blacks rugby team.
Upon reaching the boat ramp, conservation workers and members of a local Māori tribe were ready to assist. The Māori community performed prayers for the dolphin before it was carefully returned to the ocean using a tractor. The rescuers named the dolphin “Tohu,” meaning “sign” in the Māori language, symbolizing the remarkable nature of the event.
In honor of this unique encounter, Dean Harrison decided to rename his vessel “Tohu.” Reflecting on the incident, he expressed gratitude for the positive outcome, acknowledging that the situation could have been far more dire. He remarked, “The dolphin got to swim away and we got to walk away, and we’ve all got a story to tell. It’s a good ending in a situation that could have been very different.”