'Once-in-a-lifetime' encounter with killer whales on eve of Orca Watch
A close-up sighting of two killer whales gave ferry passengers a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience on the eve of Orca Watch 2023.
Bull orcas known as Hulk and Nótt made an appearance close to the Pentland Venture, operated by John O'Groats Ferries. Nótt, the smaller of the two, came within metres of the stern of the boat.
The encounter happened on Friday, the day before the official start of this year's Orca Watch run by Sea Watch Foundation.
The nine-day citizen science event is based in John O’Groats but with watches taking place all around Caithness and north Sutherland, as well as Orkney and Shetland.
Steve Truluck, a whale-watching guide and naturalist who helps at the event each year, captured a series of photographs from the ferry.
"We had an incredible eve to Orca Watch," Steve said. "Hulk and Nótt were first spotted and reported by Ross Shields at Wick and were then tracked by Caithness residents and early arrivals to Orca Watch.
"They travelled north across Sinclair’s Bay before heading out across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. For many of the watchers it was their first time seeing these magnificent creatures that have once again travelled from Iceland to Scotland.
"The highlight of the day, though, was when the same two adult bulls reappeared close to Burwick in Orkney, in close proximity to the Pentland Venture. The smaller of the two bulls, Nótt, came within metres of the stern of the ferry, giving orca watchers and day-tour passengers alike the most unforgettable end to their day.
"It was truly remarkable to see just how close this particular killer whale approached the ferry. Everyone was absolutely blown away.
"It really was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting and a joy to see so many happy people, including young children, being able to enjoy such a beautiful sight.
"Caithness has been the hot-spot for orca sightings so far in 2023 and we are crossing everything for that to continue during Orca Watch."
John O’Groats Ferries – a key partner of Orca Watch – is again welcoming volunteers and citizen scientists on board its Orkney services and wildlife cruises on the Pentland Venture, and is offering a discount to orca watchers.
Fred Fermor, of John O’Groats Ferries, said: “We are really delighted to partner with Sea Watch Foundation in helping to make Orca Watch week a success. It’s good for Caithness, it’s good for those who take part and it’s good for us.
"Although it only officially started on Saturday, a few early hopefuls boarded our 4.15pm sailing from John O’Groats on Friday to try their luck – and they were not disappointed, as we had a wonderful encounter with Hulk and Nótt.
“Orcas are inquisitive, intelligent animals. It’s almost like they seek out the Pentland Venture – they must know that we’re a friendly lot!”
An evening of talks attracted an audience of more than 100.
Juliet Maxted, communications manager for Orca Watch 2023, said: "Orca Watch 2023 has got off to a great start. We’ve had some amazing sightings and we’re really excited to see what the rest of the week has in store.
"We kicked off the week with our annual evening of talks with a line-up of fantastic speakers and we’re also holding a charity run on June 2. Anyone can find out more about Orca Watch by speaking to the team at our base at Together Travel in John O’Groats."
The aim of Orca Watch is to collect as much data as possible on whales, dolphins and porpoises, with people encouraged to join in land watches, boat trips and talks.
Sea Watch Foundation encourages everyone to contribute data, whether during Orca Watch or throughout the rest of the year. Sightings can be submitted to www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform
The national marine environmental charity partners with a number of businesses and organisations.
Orca Watch began in 2012. It was founded by Colin Bird, former regional coordinator at Sea Watch Foundation.
