Wildlife cameraman spots rare humpback whale off Welsh coast
Wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot captured a surprise humpback whale sighting in the Celtic Deep off the Pembrokeshire coast on September 25.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot encountered a surprise humpback whale.
- The sighting took place on September 25 off the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales.
- Initially mistaken for minke or fin whales, it was confirmed as a humpback.
- Experts note that humpback sightings in Welsh waters occur every two to three years.
Wildlife cinematographer and shark guide Dan Abbot has shared his astonishment after spotting a humpback whale in the Celtic Deep just off the coast of Wales, describing the encounter as a complete surprise during a routine excursion.
Abbot, who guides blue shark snorkelling trips off Pembrokeshire, was 25 to 30 miles offshore in the Celtic Sea on September 25 when the rare discovery unfolded. The group had just finished observing multiple sharks while bluefin tuna, dolphins, and gannets were actively feeding around them in the seasonal waters.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
When a guest on board spotted a whale blowing in the distance, Abbot initially suspected it was either a minke or a fin whale, which are the most common species found in Welsh waters. The boat slowly drifted toward the feeding activity in hopes of witnessing lunge feeding behavior.
However, as they drew closer, Abbot fell silent as he realized the mammal before them was unmistakably a humpback whale, providing an unforgettable conclusion to their four-hour snorkelling trip.
"I actually went quiet for a moment. At that point, it was pretty clear it was a humpback whale."
Dan Abbot
Spotting humpback whales in the Celtic Deep and surrounding Welsh waters highlights the ecological significance of the region's marine habitats. Such rare events provide marine biologists with valuable insights into the feeding patterns and migration corridors of large marine mammals along the UK coastline.
Lloyd Nelmes, an aquarium manager and marine project officer with Sea Trust Wales who spotted a humpback in Pembrokeshire in 2024, explained that while rare, these sightings typically occur once every two or three years in the area. Nelmes added that identifying features include the whale's overall body shape, white pectoral fins, barnacle-covered skin, and distinct behavior.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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