SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — Attorneys for a federal job safety agency defending citations it issued SeaWorld Orlando have opted not to show video of a killer whale pulling a trainer under water.
During a hearing in Sanford on Tuesday, Occupational Safety and Health Administration lawyers introduced a video shot by a park visitor last year. They stopped the recording about a minute before the whale pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau (bran-CHOH’) underwater, drowning her.
Video shows Brancheau on the edge of the pool throughout the performance. OSHA attorneys say their citations should apply to performances. SeaWorld contends there is little difference in trainer interaction with the whales during shows and behind the scenes.
Brancheau’s husband and sister are attending the hearing. The video was submitted into the evidence over the objection of SeaWorld’s attorney.
Source: Associated Press