The black whale is under the tail of the white whale, lifting the tail out of the water.
The two whales together, with the white whale belly-side up. The motor yacht was even closer than shown - registration DTC 3725 B - not sure if it had a permit to get that close.
The black whale exhaling noisily while again lifting the tail of the white whale, which is lying on its side.
The white whale upside down - not a good tactic for an animal with a breathing hole on the top of its head.
All photos Guido Zsilavecz
This interesting behaviour of southern right whales (Eubalena australis) was observed in the afternoon on Saturday, 4 September. The albinistic white whale - from its size and colouration assumed to be a male, had been observed in the area for about a week. It seemed to be in some sort of distress, as it was tended to by one or more whales. In the images the black whale is tending to the white whale, which moved only very slowly, and barely "blew". It would occasionally roll onto its back. The black whale in the meantime kept circling it, and now and then swim under its tail, lifting and righting the white whale. This behaviour was observed by myself for at least 45 minutes, and by others before that for at least another 30 minutes, and, it seems for most of the day. Two other whales were in the vicinity, and while they did not approach, did not venture far either.
The white whale had disappeared on Sunday, so one can only hope it recovered enough to swim away.
It is not known exactly what the problem with the white whale was.
Thanks to Dr. Peter Best for his comments.