Shark guide Dan Abbot spots rare humpback whale off Pembrokeshire coast
Wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot recorded a rare humpback whale sighting while on a scheduled snorkelling trip off the Pembrokeshire coast on 25 September.
Surprise encounter during shark trip
Abbot was leading a blue shark snorkelling excursion in the Celtic Sea when he noticed activity far from the usual site. The group had just departed after observing multiple sharks and were located between 25 and 30 miles offshore at the time. A guest spotted a whale blow in the distance, prompting Abbot to move the boat toward the area.
Initial identification uncertainty
Abbot initially suspected the animal was a minke or fin whale because those species are common in Welsh waters. He noted that a large blow usually indicates a fin whale, so he watched the distant spout carefully. The sighting remained unusual for someone who monitors the water daily for their profession.
Expert reaction to rarity
Lloyd Nelmes from Sea Trust described the event as unusual for an experienced field worker. He added that such a sight would be considered insanely rare for a normal person. The feeding activity involving tuna, dolphins and gannets was not considered out of place for this season.
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