SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was performing with killer whale Tilikum in February 2010 when the orca turned on her
The horrifying moment an orca swam past the viewing window with its dead trainer in its mouth was spotted by a visitor at SeaWorld.
Dawn Brancheau worked with orcas at the Orlando resort for over 15 years, becoming SeaWorld’s poster girl.
However, February 2010, would mark her last encounter with the animals, with the 40-year-old ending up being grabbed and pulled underwater while working with 12,000lb killer whale Tilikum – also known as ‘Tilly’ or by the stage name of ‘Shamu’.
Susanne De Wit was visiting the resort at the time of the incident and spotted the moment the orca swam towards the viewing window with Brancheau in its mouth.
An investigation into Brancheau’s death was launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – who later imposed a ban on trainers entering the water with whales during shows – and De Wit subsequently came forward to speak about what she saw.
In a statement to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, De Wit said: “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.
Dawn Brancheau worked as a trainer for 15 years (CNN)
“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 into the incident also referred to an interview with De Wit, who had been visiting from the Netherlands, saying how she recalled seeing Brancheau’s legs as she moved ‘extremely fast’ while the whale ‘was shaking’.
Speaking to The Sun in 2021, Brancheau’s sister, Debbie Frogameni, said the family was still trying to understand what had happened.
Brancheau was killed by killer whale Tilikum (Getty Images/ Gerardo Mora)
“Some days, I think we are still processing her loss,” she said.
“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 a statement to the outlet, SeaWorld said: “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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Featured Image Credit: DAWN BRANCHEAU FOUNDATION / Twitter / @fasc1nate
