Whale Watching—Therapeutic for PTSD Vets and Cancer Patients

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San Diego Hornblower Whale cruise

 

Jim Unger, Hornblower Cruises & Events V.P., visits with Correspondent, Tom Wilmer in San Diego. Unger talks about the company’s array of maritime adventures, ranging from harbor cruises to weddings, and dinner cruises. But he focuses on the company’s passionate support for U.S. Military veterans dealing with PTSD. Hornblower’s relationship with the Vets started when crew members noticed a handful of passengers who’d return again and again for whale watch cruises.

A conversation was struck and the crew soon learned that solo veterans had been attracted to the whale watching adventures all on their own, and they found the experience powerfully healing and therapeutic. In response, Hornblower Cruises and Events has become passionate supporters of the veterans.

The vets receive annual passes so they can go out on the boats anytime they are in the mood. Unger also talks about Hornblower Cruises ongoing relationship with the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. Just like the vets, the families living with cancer find solace and therapeutic benefits via the whale watching experience. 

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Whales off San Diego Harbor
Whales abound Year Round off San Diego Harbor.                                                                              Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

M.V. Adventure Hornblower whale fluke
Whale fluke off bow of M.V. Adventure Hornblower Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

Point Loma from M.V. Adventure Hornblower
Adventure Hornblower passes Point Loma Lighthouse en route to whale watching adventure.                               Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

Hornblower San Diego Mascot
Friendly greetings at Hornblower Pier in San Diego. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

M.V. Hornblower
M.V. Admiral Hornblower at San Diego. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

 

Sunset San Diego Harbor
Returning to port at sunset from Hornblower San Diego whale watching adventure Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer