Basking Sharks

willk · 24 May 2010, 11:00

Donegaldan encountered a goodly number of basking sharks off Malin Head last week (during his delivery run with the Tyne class from Rhu). This prompted us to do a trip to Dunaff Head yesterday (Lough Swilly), as there had been reports by beach users of numerous fish seen off Fanad Head the previous day. Wildwords is currently stabbing away at them further up the coast.

We met a group of three large sharks feeding on a highly visible plankton bloom that was being concentrated in a "tideline" just off the headland. The largest of them (already tagged!) was about six meters long - measured against the rib

. We drifted with them for 15 minutes and BabydollNelly took a few pics, see below.

jambo · 24 May 2010, 14:49

Hi W so you made it. It looked a wee bitty swelly at times, the pics are great what wonderful creatures they are. Breath-taking just to lie off them and observe, with this warm weather hopefully it will not be to long before they are up our way. You certainly looked as if you had a good day.

J

Mollers · 24 May 2010, 20:53

We had a pair of dolphins playing with the Searider for most of yesterday. Everytime we headed out of the Helford they appeared, superb.

bogib · 24 May 2010, 21:07

Seems you had great time out there, great photos

Bogi

willk · 24 May 2010, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bogib

Seems you had great time out there

Oh we did. There were five of us out so there was no way we were goin' to fit one in the boat. So sorry, no hakárl in the post for ye...

bogib · 24 May 2010, 21:20

Exactly what I was thinking off...... would have been great and ready to eat before Xmas

Bogi

willk · 24 May 2010, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by bogib

Exactly what I was thinking off...... would have been great and ready to eat before Xmas

Chancer! It would be Xmas 2050 before you eat a fish. Relax, we'll nail a few ducks for you yet. There are a few nice colourful beaked ones about the wee islands. I think they call them "Puffins" as Bearlá...

bogib · 24 May 2010, 21:34

Will have Puffins in two weeks when I visit Vestmannaeyjar as they will have party as they have starting their ribsafari business.

Bogi

Bigmuz7 · 24 May 2010, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Chancer! It would be Xmas 2050 before you eat a fish. Relax, we'll nail a few ducks for you yet. There are a few nice colourful beaked ones about the wee islands. I think they call them "Puffins" as Bearlá...

'Mon now will .. leave the guy alone

.. lol .... just thank him Eyjafjallajokul is finally slowing down

Ezgoing · 24 May 2010, 22:29

Wilk

Super snaps. Well done.

We found one in Killala bay last year. Enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Ef86pqpuo

Rgds

willk · 24 May 2010, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

'Mon now will .. leave the guy alone

Nah, me 'n' Bogi are cool - he has eaten duck/s at my table...

bradosh · 24 May 2010, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Donegaldan encountered a goodly number of basking sharks off Malin Head last week (during his delivery run with the Tyne class from Rhu). This prompted us to do a trip to Dunaff Head yesterday (Lough Swilly), as there had been reports by beach users of numerous fish seen off Fanad Head the previous day. Wildwords is currently stabbing away at them further up the coast.

We met a group of three large sharks feeding on a highly visible plankton bloom that was being concentrated in a "tideline" just off the headland. The largest of them (already tagged!) was about six meters long - measured against the rib

. We drifted with them for 15 minutes and BabydollNelly took a few pics, see below.

quality pictures

i wonder if there as ever been any sighting around anglesey

Cypman · 25 May 2010, 07:49

Brian kindly took myself and some friends around the Isle of Man on Sunday evening, two and a half hours of sheer bliss topped by sighting basking sharks off Niarbyl as we returned to Peel at 2100hrs. Nowhere nicer when the sun is shining!!