Seal jumps on tour boat to escape hungry orcas (video)

A scared seal jumped out of the water and onto a whale-watching boat in Canada - to escape a pod of hungry orcas that were hunting him.

Nick Templeman, who runs Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions, had taken a tour group out for a whale-watching trip when he stopped the boat to spot orcas.

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After around 30 minutes, he noticed the pod go into hunting mode - and then spotted the seal seeking safety on the back of his boat. And the seal's little 'help me' face could break hearts.

According to the Daily Mail, Mr Templeman said: "This seal was tossed around a few times and taken under quite a bit before seeking refuge among the boats in the area.

"He got close enough to see us and beelined for the boat."

Speaking to CBC News, he continued: "He was on and off the swim grid [on the boat] two times during the encounter.

"The orcas kept sounding and coming up right behind the boat, searching."

The whales finally gave up and the seal was able to go on its merry way.

Templeman added: "It was an amazing and intense encounter — the seal is the survivor."