A horrific moment that occurred at SeaWorld over a decade ago led to shocked guests at the park watching an orca kill a trainer.
In March 2010, trainer Dawn Brancheau met a tragic end when a 12,000-pound killer whale known as Tilikum, or "Tilly", seized her and dragged her underwater.
The whales often went by the stage name "Shamu" for paying guests.
Following an investigation into the incident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a prohibition on trainers entering the water with whales during shows.
An orca at SeaWorld. Credit: Dünz/ullstein bild/Getty
As reported by the Sun, one witness, Susanne De Wit, vividly recounted the terror of that day, recalling seeing Brancheau caught in the orca's jaws as it approached the viewing window.
De Wit told the Orange County Sheriff's Office: "They told us he was playing with the trainer. Suddenly I saw Shamu grabbing the trainer by the shoulder and pulling her down in the water near the window.
"It did not look normal. It was scary. He was very wild with the trainer still in the whale’s mouth. The whale’s tail was very wild in the water. The tour guide pulled us out and there was a full alarm. We then saw them throw a net into the water."
A report on the incident also referenced De Wit's testimony, noting her observation of Brancheau's frantic movements as the whale shook violently.
SeaWorld trainers used to get in the water with the whales. Credit: Paul Harris/Getty
Reflecting on the tragedy, Brancheau’s sister Debbie Frogameni shared her ongoing struggle to comprehend the events, telling the Sun: "Some days, I think we are still processing her loss.
"Dawn was just so special to so many people and I'm not sure you ever get past losing someone like her. I think we do find some comfort knowing that she accomplished and experienced more in her short 40 years than most people who live long lives. But that doesn't take away what our family and the world lost that day."
In response to inquiries, SeaWorld issued a statement, acknowledging the incident and assuring that stringent safety protocols have been in place since then.
SeaWorld has stopped breeding orcas. Credit: Gerardo Mora/Getty
"That tragic situation happened more than 12 years ago. Trainers have not been in the water training with killer whales for many years. We have extensive protocols and training in place to protect the safety of our trainers and animals," the park said.
SeaWorld was put under intense scrutiny with the release of Black Fish on Netflix, which looked deeper into the treatment of orcas at the park.
While the organization still has killer whales in their care, they won't be breeding anymore and this will be the last generation at SeaWorld.
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