Massive 25ft long humpback whale spotted off Devon coast sparking fears creature could be ‘in trouble’ – but marine experts insist animal is fine
The huge creature drew hundreds of onlookers when it appeared again near the south Devon coast this morning
THE "unusual" sight of a massive humpback whale repeatedly near the Devon coast in the past few days sparked fears the animal could be in danger.
The 25ft creature first appeared off Slapton Sands on Thursday and has been spotted again in the same location this morning.
Hundreds of people descended on Slapton and Torcross on the county's southern coastline after new sightings of the animal swimming inshore with the tide.
Torquay's Herald Express reports the whale was spotted about 50 metres from the beach in the company of a grey seal and a dolphin, feeding on mackerel.
It has been suggested the whale, initially thought to be a Minke, could be "in trouble" after swimming off course when heading north.
The mammals, more common off the coast of Iceland, the USA and Canada in summer, range in length from 12 metres to 16 metres and weigh about 36,000 kg.
The blog Sea & Sky posted pictures of the mammal in action, saying they were sure it was a humpback based on its "shape, size and blow."
Lindy Hingley, founder of Brixham Sea Watch, said the sight was not totally "unusual" because fisherman in Salcombe, Devon, had spotted a Minke whale a few years ago.
But she claimed: "If it is a humpback then there will be something wrong.
"Humpback whales are much less likely to be seen in shore, and if it is then it may be in trouble."
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation, which helps such creatures in difficulties, dismissed fears the whale was "ill, injured or distressed".
In a statement, it said: "(the whale) Looks to be quite healthy and is feeding, possibly on mackerel or herring that are known to be in the area at the moment.
"There were also reports that the whale had a calf with it, but it is likely that people have been confused by seeing porpoises and dolphins in the vicinity that are also making the most of the good feeding.
"No calf has been confirmed as being in the area.
"Contrary to some statements from locals who may have little experience of these incredible animals, it is not unusual for humpback whales to enter shallow coastal waters to feed on shoaling fish.
"Currently there are more that half a dozen humpback whales around UK coasts and the charity is monitoring all of them.
"Of concern though is human activity around them, as any boating traffic could frighten a whale into making a mistake and beaching, or swimming into areas where it could become entangled in fishing gear such as creel pot lines."
The charity said humpback whales have been spotted in recent years mainly near Scotland but also off the coasts of Cornwall, Devon, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, Yorkshire, Northumberland and the North West.
"This may be due to a good supply of prey, but also may indicate a recovery of the population since the whaling moratorium in the 1980s, with animals returning to feeding haunts of old," they added.
Stephen Marsh, the charity's operations manager, urged people not to approach the whale on boats, jet skis or other vessels.
He said: "We would ask members of the public to stay away from this beautiful animal to allow it to feed naturally and not be shocked into stranding.
"Disturbing a whale, dolphin or porpoise is illegal in the UK and so authorities are recording any human activity surrounding this whale and will be looking for infringements of the law."
Rare underwater footage of humpback whales in British waters emerged in December, as the gentle giants made their way by the Shetland Islands, Scotland.
Last year an incredible picture emerged of whale watchers in a boat looking the wrong way as a massive humpback whale beached right beside them.
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