West Seattle naturalist and photographer Kersti Elisabeth Muul had a remarkable encounter with some transient Orcas who were seen by many off the shores of West Seattle on Saturday August. 29,

She shared her story here:

"T137A is 18 years old, part of the T137 matriline. Seen Saturday Aug. 29 just offshore with his sister T137B (the smaller orca, who is a female) They were often travelling far apart, with T137A closest to shore. They had very long down times today and would pop up unexpectedly, as they did, right by the thrilled paddle boarders. T137A suffered a pretty horrific injury last fall (almost exactly a year ago). A large gash on his peduncle; the 'stalk' area where the body meets the tail. He was not hunting for himself for a bit and lagging behind family as they helped him. He recovered quickly and fully, and it's always a joy to see him doing so well. He goes by the name of 'Jack' No kills were made in the stretch between Alki point and Arroyos that I observed them. 

They turned and went back north later in the evening. Maybe they will thrill us again tomorrow!

A friend and I have started a sightings and education page on Facebook where we welcome dialogue about boater behavior around the whales and all conservation topics! We really want to help people learn how to respectfully view wildlife, and help them report violations on the water when necessary and appropriate.

It's called Salish Wildlife Watch."

EDITORS NOTE regarding state law on Orcas: 

Washington State

• Boats to stay 300 yards from Southern Resident orcas or killer whales on either side.
• Boats to stay 400 yards out of Southern Resident orca’s path/in front and behind the whales
• Boats to go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident orcas
• Disengage engines if whales appear within 300 yards.

Boats to stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).

To learn more about orcas and what to be aware of visit BE WHALE WISE.