Panic and chaos gripped a packed marine park audience this afternoon when an orca dragged its trainer underwater during a live performance, sending spectators into a state of shock and horror.
The incident occurred around 2:15 PM at OceanWorld San Diego, one of the most visited marine entertainment parks in the country. Witnesses say the orca, a 17-foot-long male named Kairo, suddenly latched onto the trainer’s wetsuit mid-performance and pulled them beneath the surface.
“I thought it was part of the show at first,” said visitor Allison Greene, who was sitting in the third row with her two children. “Then we saw the trainer struggling and the water turning frothy — that’s when everyone started screaming.”
Video footage shared online shows the terrifying moments as the crowd screams and park staff rush toward the tank. Spectators can be heard shouting for help as sirens blare and emergency protocols are activated.
The trainer, whose identity has not yet been released, was underwater for nearly 45 seconds before being pulled to safety by fellow staff using specialized recall signals and nets. The trainer was transported by ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where they are currently in stable but serious condition, according to a park spokesperson.
This is not the first time an incident involving orcas has made headlines. Animal rights groups have long criticized the captivity and performance training of these highly intelligent marine mammals, arguing that it places both the animals and their handlers at significant risk.
“This is exactly the kind of tragedy we’ve warned about,” said Dr. Lila Moreno, a marine biologist and activist with Ocean Freedom Alliance. “Orcas are not meant to live in confined tanks or perform for entertainment. The stress they endure can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behavior.”
OceanWorld San Diego has suspended all orca performances indefinitely and has launched an internal investigation in cooperation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees animal welfare at such facilities.
Park officials released a brief statement late this afternoon:
> “Our thoughts are with our trainer and their family during this difficult time. The safety of our staff, guests, and animals remains our top priority. We are reviewing the incident thoroughly and will provide updates as appropriate.”
In the meantime, critics are calling for renewed scrutiny of marine mammal shows and stricter regulations surrounding animal performances.
As the park remains closed to the public for the next 48 hours, today’s events have reignited a fierce debate over the ethics of animal captivity — one that shows no signs of quieting.
This story is developing. More updates to follow.