Humpback whales spotted by Fort Pierce anglers over the weekend

"If I go down today, I'm OK with it. If he takes me out, he takes me out."

Those were the words of Kenny Costello, a Fort Pierce angler, overheard on his cellphone video during a thrilling and rare encounter. Costello was talking to himself while awaiting a second appearance by two humpback whales. Fishing alone Friday in about 60 feet of water, Costello saw two humpback whales that swam very close to his boat as he drifted and fished a few miles offshore of Fort Pierce Inlet.

Costello was aboard his boat Mayhem, a 20-foot SeaCraft built in 1970. Costello had never before seen whales offshore while he was fishing.

"I saw the school of dolphin come around first, and I thought that was pretty cool," Costello said. "But when I saw the whales come up, I couldn't believe it. Then, they went under my boat. I could tell the large one was at least twice as long as my boat — probably about 40 feet long. The other one was smaller."

While Costello watched the whales, they never did breach, or leap into the air, as they sometimes do. Mattanza charter boat Capt. Mike Murray out of Pirates Cove Resort in Stuart captured cellphone video and images of a humpback breaching in December on a calm day.

More: Humpback whale spotted breaching off Stuart

Costello was not the only one who saw the whales Friday. Every angler who was offshore Friday seemed to encounter the whales, according to social media. Anglers aboard the Lady Chris party boat and the Fort Pierce Lady party boat also saw what is believed to be the same whales.

Blair Mase, NOAA Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding coordinator, reminded boaters who are in an area where whales suddenly appear that there are laws protecting them from contact and impacts. This is the time of year when humpback whales take to calving grounds in the Caribbean each winter and spring, and eastern Florida remains on the route.

"Boaters must remain at least 100 yards away from humpback whales and at least 500 yards away from right whales," she said. "We don't want to harass the whales, so try to keep about a football field away."

Mase added that right now, there is something called an Unusual Mortality Event going on with humpback whales in U.S. waters of the Atlantic. From Maine to Florida, since 2016, there have been 64 deaths, which is significant, she said.

"Most of these have come from vessel strikes and ship strikes, so we're monitoring them closely," she said. "It's really important for boaters to report them so we can help understand how they're doing. They can do so by calling 1-877-WHALE-HELP and provide photographs and coordinates with the report."

More: 2017 was full of wind, whales and wild times in the outdoors

Mase said she received a report from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and saw a photo that led her to believe the whales were probably humpbacks. Costello thought the whales were right whales.

North Atlantic right whales are extremely endangered, and researchers believe their numbers have dipped below 500 individuals.

As for Costello, he said he is suddenly really popular.

"I've had about 10 friends call me to ask when I can take them out fishing," he said.

He is grateful for his close encounter with some of the sea's largest and most fascinating creatures.

"Thank you, sir," he can be heard on his video thanking the whale. "Thank you."

More: Shark, surfer collide at Fort Pierce Inlet

Report marine mammal strandings with this information

Is the marine mammal alive? What is the exact location of the animal? What species is the animal, if known, or describe the animal’s size, color, and physical characteristics. How many animals are there? What are the current environmental conditions? (weather, sea state, tide) How can you be contacted?

Call 1-877-942-5343 (1-877-WHALE-HELP) or visit the NOAA website.

Whale do's and don'ts

DON’T push the animal back out to sea! Stranded marine mammals may be sick or injured. Returning animals to sea delays examination and treatment and often results in the animal re-stranding in worse condition.

If the animal returns to the water on its own, DON’T attempt interact with it (swim with, ride, etc.).

DO put human safety above animal safety. If conditions are dangerous, do not attempt to approach the animal.

DO stay with the animal until rescuers arrive, but use caution. Marine mammals can be dangerous and/or carry disease. Keep a safe distance from the head and tail. Also, minimize contact with the animal (use gloves if necessary) and avoid inhaling the animal’s expired air.

If the animal is alive, DO keep its skin moist and cool by splashing water over its body. Use wet towels to help keep the skin moist and prevent sunburn.

If the animal is alive, DON’T cover or obstruct the blowhole. Try to keep sand and water away from the blowhole.

DO keep crowds away and noise levels down to avoid causing further stress to the animal.

DO report all dead marine mammals, even if they are decomposed.

DO keep dogs/pets away from the live or dead marine mammal.

DON’T collect any parts (tissues, teeth, bones, or gear, etc.) from dead animals. They are still covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Source: NOAA.gov

What is a stranding?

Marine mammals are sometimes found sick, injured, or dead along our beaches. They can also become entrapped or disoriented and unable to return to their natural habitat without assistance. These events are called strandings and require investigation by trained Marine Mammal Stranding Network personnel.