Whale Protects Scientist from Gigantic Shark
blown away: to be very surprised or extremely impressed by something
While filming near the Cook Islands, whale scientist Nan Hauser had an unforgettable experience. As she swam towards some whales, one approached her, pushing her gently but firmly. She soon discovered the reason for the whale’s strange behavior. She saw a gigantic tiger shark, larger than any she had ever seen nearby. The protective whale positioned her on its head and swiftly swam her back to her boat. “I caught a ride on a whale for ten and a half minutes. If someone told me this story, I wouldn’t believe them,” she told BBC Earth. She met the same whale a year later, recognizing him by unique marks and scars. She said that in 20 years, “only two whales have returned here, and so when he did come back, I was blown away. I still am.”
Listen to Hauser tell the story of her rescue in the video below.
Sample sentences
1. When I saw the sunset over the ocean for the first time, I was completely blown away.
2. After trying the new dessert at the bakery, I was blown away by its taste.
3. He was blown away by the kindness of strangers when he lost his wallet and they returned it.