Yes, a sad whale of a tale...

wife and I went whalewatching off Alaska, seeing
humpbacks -- one with her calf -- and otters, seals,
all kinds of flying fishers ,,, wonderful ,,, in '09. -- j

Whales have been protected for nearly a century now; I'd be surprised if most species are really still endangered. Certainly if this is a result of there being too many of them, then we ought to encourage some hunting to resume just to keep people safe.

She engaged in what amounts to a slightly risky sport, and had really bad luck that day. These things happen.

I don't think Objectivism tells us to refrain from all unnecessary risk. Where would you draw the line? Could we even cross the street?

I'm sorry for her family, but I believe they should just chalk it up to luck and move on. We lose too much of our freedom when the victims of these events sue everyone in sight and demand million-dollar payoffs for not protecting people like this grown-up woman from themselves.

Yikes! What a tragedy... I suggest the tour company get a bigger boat. This should not happen.

I saw this article in my email and it scared the crap out of me... My Dad is always out on his boat in Cabo and has friends down there from the state's now and, believe it or not, Canadian neighbors that are conservative... that frequently go out. This is very sad...we have seen whales breaching almost every time we go out and never had a problem..So sad :(

Sad.

Totally sucks... Noted in the article...

"Carren was on the $79 'Snorkel & Sea Adventure' which takes groups to 'secluded coves and isolated beaches for the ultimate snorkel excursion'...

Problem is, I bet they didn't tell them it could result in sleeping with the fishes...

Whales do have some sense of sapience - makes me wonder if it was a freak accident, or the behemoths were finally fed up with having *their* territory invaded.

Hey, I read Moby Dick. The closest I come to whales would be watching from the shore. If you really want to watch something inspiring, try a space launch -- that is, if we have any more.

sooo sad. did not know this. wow

Thank goodness, no!

shit. it wasn't Bob garber?!!!

Glad you didn't become the toy.
I wonder if the Hallings area has been inundated with press?