Video Credit: CEN/@rafazevallos

This is the moment tourists on excursion boats in the sea move within touching distance of a protected humpback whale after chasing the poor creature.

The videos were filmed off the Pacific coast of Buenaventura in the western Colombian department of Valle del Cauca, and one clip shows several boats chasing the whale while a tourist is seen swimming in the water next to the huge mammal in another.

The local authorities warned that such practices could stress the whales and cause them to alter their migration routes.

According to the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca, protocol stipulates that up to five vessels are allowed when a whale has been sighted and they should keep a minimum distance of 200 metres (656 feet).

Video Credit: CEN/@willysan009

Robinson Galindo, director of Colombia’s natural parks on the country’s Pacific coast, said that whales often migrate to the region to find warm waters that are ideal for mating and breastfeeding their young.

Galindo warned that if protocols are not followed, there is the possibility that cetaceans will end up moving elsewhere as they might not perceive the area as safe anymore.

He added: “There has not been a serious incident yet, but an emergency situation could easily happen when the whales breach or swish their tails.”

It is unclear if an investigation has been launched into the incidents.

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