widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Nature / Video footage shows orcas just metres away from couple in rowing boat

A COUPLE have spoken about their “amazing” experience after a pod of orcas put on a display just metres away from their rowing boat.

Ryan and Sara Leith enjoyed the close encounter on Wednesday during a break on Shetland’s Westside.

They came across the seven-strong pod while out on a 12 foot rowing boat – and managed to catch it on video.

At times the pod of orcas were just a stone’s throw away.

Ryan Leith said the couple were out walking when they got notifications on their phone about the orcas potentially heading their way.

He said he knew the pod of orcas had been in Vaila Sound before, so they went off in the boat on the off-chance they turned up.

Ryan Leith. Photo: John Coutts
offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

They struck it lucky when the pod made an appearance – and then came in towards them.

“They came right around the boat, so it was quite amazing,” Leith said.

He had his camera with him but had to revert to using his phone to take footage as the orcas were so close.

Leith is no stranger to orcas, having actually swum in the water with them on holiday in Norway.

But Wednesday’s encounter was the closest he has been to orcas in Shetland.

“They were actually under the boat – I stuck the camera just above the water, and you can see the white of one of the orcas as he’s swimming underneath the boat,” he said.

The orcas are thought to have been from the so-called ‘27s pod’, which are often seen in the waters around Shetland.

Pods of orcas are regular visitors to Shetland’s shoreline.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

Leith said he did not have any concern over orcas capsizing the boat there is no record of the whales engaging in that sort of behaviour in Shetland. 

“As long as you’re quiet and you don’t annoy them, I don’t think there’s going to be a problem.”

The Facebook group Shetland Orca Sightings, which has more than 33,000 members, allows people to keep track of any pods that are spotted.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.