MIGRATING whales give two kayaking brothers a close encounter they will never forget.

Bill, 40, and Tom Chater, 41, from Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, paddled half a mile after hearing the 50ft, 60-ton southern right whales were nearby.

The whales were spotted off the Falkland IslandsCredit: Caters News Agency

The brothers said they were intimidated by the size of the whalesCredit: Caters News Agency

Despite the whales living off plankton, krill and copepods, they say the experience was ‘daunting’ due their size but that it was an ‘unforgettable’ experience.

Bill, a trainee helicopter pilot, said: “It was very exciting, something I have always hoped to be able to do.

“The reality is a bit more daunting as these beasts are about fifty feet long and weigh 60 tons.

“We were half a mile offshore with these monsters of the deep and very cold sea temperatures and were well aware of an increased wind being forecast and no other boats nearby.

“I could have touched the one that approached my kayak and Tom had one about six feet under his kayak with a second one coming straight towards him.

“They eat krill so we had no concerns initially over our safety however they are big.

The whales were close enough to touchCredit: Caters News Agency

“Incredibly exciting and intimidating at the same time.”

The brothers were happy to get so close to the creaturesCredit: Caters News Agency

The whales are 50 feet longCredit: Caters News Agency

Credit: Caters News Agency

source: thesun.co.uk