That Happened.

40-ton whale leaps onto yacht; sailors survive (with video)

Perhaps more freakish than the accident was the positioning of the photog thatcaptured this image
The mast snapped and the cabin was crushed, but Ralph Mothes and Paloma Wernercame out unscathed
The whale was apparently also unharmed

A couple sailing off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa were shocked this week when a young 40-ton whale leapt out of the water and onto their 33-foot yacht, London's Daily Telegraph reports.

Perhaps even more freakish than the accident (which left both sailors and whale unharmed) was the perfect positioning of a nearby photographer, who captured the leap. The photo went viral overnight.

Ralph Mothes says he doesn't remember the utterance, but sailing partner Paloma Werner told him he exclaimed, "Oh, shit!" just before the impact.

His reaction reminds us of this equally impressive jump, from arguably the most epic scene in film — from Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus:

unspecified

this week's hot headlines

Retro diner's debut and Spring Branch shutter lead week's top stories

Photo by Brian Kennedy

Find Carvel soft serve at Buttermilk Baby.

Editor's note: It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week.

1. Ben Berg’s retro Heights diner opens with burgers, biscuits, and Carvel. The restaurant serves pancakes and biscuits in the morning, burgers and chicken sandwiches for lunch and dinner, and a full selection of New York’s celebrated Carvel ice cream for children of all ages..

2. Embattled Houston hospitality group shutters Texas comfort food eatery. It's the company's third restaurant closure this year.

3. Hermann Park moves full steam ahead with new electric trains. The biggest differences riders will notice is smoother travel and a lack of fumes blowing back.

4. Favorite Heights pizzeria opens new location in Bellaire. Having found success in the Heights, the restaurant is already expanding.

5. Buzzy Houston wine bar shakes things up with first-ever cocktail menu. Now you can pair an espresso martini or prickly pear mezcal margarita with your bruschetta board.

hot-headlines

That Happened.

40-ton whale leaps onto yacht; sailors survive (with video)

this week's hot headlines

Retro diner's debut and Spring Branch shutter lead week's top stories

Favorite Heights pizzeria opens new location in Bellaire

Heights pizzeria and ice cream shop team up on cheesy new flavor

11 fantastic fall food festivals for September and beyond