Tonite, Kasatka, The Killer Whale

July 25th, 2012
07:04 PM ET



Tonight on AC360: Killer Whale Attacks SeaWorld Trainer

A lot of people are talking about newly released video showing a 5,000 pound killer whale at SeaWorld San Diego pulling a trainer underwater repeatedly, nearly drowning him. The terrifying video was recorded in November 2006 and was used in a court case where the park was accused of putting its workers in danger. Amazingly, the victim in the video, trainer Ken Peters, kept his cool and survived the ordeal.

The whale, named Kasatka, grabbed Peters by the ankles, thrashed him around and pulled him to the bottom of the pool. Not once, but repeatedly. When Peters was finally able to free his foot he swam to safety.

The video was key evidence in the investigation of the 2010 death of SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau. Tonight, David Kirby, author of the book "Death at SeaWorld," talks about the safety regulations now in place at the parks. Kirby, an investigative journalist, obtained the video after filing a Freedom of Information request. Join us at 8 and 10 p.m. ET tonight for more on this story.