The coastguard vessel soon appeared on the horizon. When it came alongside, an officer shouted across, “What exactly happened?” The captain answered, “He disappeared into the whale’s mouth. We think he may still have air to survive.” The officer stared at him. “You think he’s still inside?”
Nathaniel felt another series of deep calls. One came from the whale around him. A second answered from somewhere outside. Then a third followed. The sounds were steady and repeated. Nathaniel stopped moving and listened. The whales seemed to be communicating while they traveled together.