Killer whale attacks trainer during show

A killer whale attacked its trainer during a show at a California adventure park, repeatedly dragging him underwater.

The 33-year-old trainer was taken to hospital after the ordeal at SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Diego, but his injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.

Firefighters were preparing to rescue the trainer from the pool after receiving a call at 5pm local time that Shamu, the killer whale, may have injured him, said Maurice Luque, a department spokesman.

The trainer managed to escape before the crew arrived.

“He was pulled down at least twice by the whale and then let go,” Luque said. “He did not have life-threatening injuries. He was conscious the whole time.”

According to SeaWorld’s website, a show at 4.30pm “blends new killer whale behaviours with elaborate set pieces, music, choreography and state-of-the-art multimedia”.

The show is set to music recorded by the Czech Philharmonic Opera.