Orca pod hunting dolphins near Oban

An extraordinary wildlife encounter unfolded off the coast of Oban on Sunday afternoon when a pod of five orcas, including a young calf, was observed actively hunting common dolphins near Lady Rock.

The sighting began around 4pm when Hebrides Cruises head guide Lynsey Bland spotted the marine beasties while travelling home aboard a CalMac ferry. 

This was an opportunity we couldn’t miss so we decided to launch Mairi B, the latest vessel to our fleet.  With Skippers James and Jake, Stewardess Ellie, and Shore Manager Emma (and wee Georgie) we located the pod approximately 30 minutes from Oban, around 5.30pm, as we drifted with them, we witnessed the orcas pursuing common dolphins at high speed before making a successful catch.  Lots of leaping and action happened in front of our eyes.  

The encounter is believed to be highly significant due to both the location and the behaviour observed. 

In all our years' operating on the west coast, we have never witnessed anything like this. Watching five Orca, including a calf, hunting common dolphins in these inshore waters was one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences we have ever had. It was nature in its rawest and most powerful form.  

While orcas are regular visitors to the Hebrides by John Coe and Aquarius, the company is not aware of any previous records of a pod outside the West Coast Community group being documented hunting common dolphins in such inshore waters.

Drone footage and photographs from the encounter are now being shared with marine researchers and conservation organisations, including Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to assist with identification.  

The sighting highlights the incredible diversity of marine wildlife found around the west coast of Scotland and provided a rare glimpse into the natural hunting behaviour of one of the ocean’s top predators.

Photos credits James & Emma Fairbairns.