Our Wildlife Guide, Lynsey Bland sent in this incredible report on the recent Orca sighting during a St Kilda and Outer Hebrides cruise
Whilst guiding with Hebrides Cruises, I have been lucky enough to have had many incredible wildlife encounters over the years. However, my latest encounter on Emma Jane will be one that I, and all those on board will never forget!
The Emma Jane was making her way across the Minch to the outstanding island of Mingulay when Skipper James spotted a blow, followed by the unmistakeable dorsal fin of an orca, or killer whale. With all alerted, we scanned the sea for these beautiful marine mammals, unaware of the encounter to come. It very quickly became clear that these orca were not John Coe and Aquarius- likely the remaining two of the resident West Coast Community.
Guests and crew alike were delighted when 3 individuals surfaced very close to the bow of Emma Jane, one so close that you could see the whole animal underwater! With the engines off, the group made several very close passes around the Emma Jane and we observed the group hunting or playing with a grey seal. The sound of the blows alone is standout memory from this incredible encounter. We even witnessed two individuals spy-hopping-a behaviour assumed to be the animals having a good look around
Very quickly, one of the females was recognised as Mousa of the Northern Isles population and with help from Steve Truluck, the whole pod was identified as the 19s pod which more commonly frequent the waters around Shetland, Orkney, Iceland and the east coast of Scotland. With matriarch, Mousa and her calf Tide, were bull orca, Gunnar, Summer and Trinkie. It was great to see Summer and Trinkie back in Scottish waters as they weren’t seen with the 19s when they were last identified in Scotland! Mousa was the first individual to be matched to an Icelandic photo ID catalogue and one of the first individuals confirmed to travel between Iceland and Scotland on an annual basis.
Over the years with Hebrides Cruises, I have been lucky enough to witness our resident John Coe and Aquarius on a number of occasions, but to come across a thriving pod of orca, witnessing hunting behaviour and spy hopping in Scottish waters will remain as a standout encounter in my memory forever.
Lynsey Bland, June 2023
What a friendly company! We were made very welcome from the moment we left the bus. Our luggage was dealt with very efficiently and put on board. The same thing happened on our departure when our bags were delivered to the bus and we were given a warm send off by the wonderful crew. The scenery was stunning and the overnight anchorages were always well-positioned in sheltered bays so that we could have undisturbed nights. It was a well thought-out itinerary, adapting to weather conditions and suggestions from our leaders. The onshore trips were well-organized and help was always offered when using the zodiacs. The crew were a wonderful source of local knowledge and always happy to answer questions. The crew were absolutely wonderful, always cheerful and friendly and so obliging. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The meals were always delicious and varied - how Stevie managed to provide such a variety of piping hot dishes in such a small space is a complete mystery! I can't think of any way the cruise could have been more special for me. Mooring so close to the Cuillins was perhaps my most special moment, although the time spent on St Kilda was quite magical. Seeing such a variety and quantity of birds and sea creatures throughout the trip has inspired me to buy a really good pair of binoculars! Go for it and hope to get good weather and calm seas. It will be an exciting trip and a real adventure. The scenery is spectacular, and such a variety of islands to visit, each with their own special charm.
Heather Hayward: 2 June 2018Private Charter 10 Nights