Minke Whale snapped during Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010

Courtesy of Padraig Whooley, Sightings Co-ordindator of Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG), the  cetacean sighted and photographed by the crew of Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 during the Round Ireland Yacht Race 20210 has been confirmed as a Minke whale. IWDG Sighting No. 15602 refers. The Minke whale was spotted at 12:20 hrs on the 25h June 2010 approximately 5 miles east of Maiden's Island off the County Antrim coast at position 54º57'·46N 05º36'·60W. It briefly surfaced in the North Channel swimming parallel to the boat (which was heading for the Irish Sea) before submerging. Shortly afterwards the whale resurfaced some distance away heading NEbN towards Scotland as Miss Scarlett kept it's course.

Learn about the Minke whale's profile HERE.

Minke Whale - Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 (Copyright Sailpix Ireland 2010)

As the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group points out, public participation in recording cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales) is encouraged. Being fortunate enough to observe a whale or dolphin in the wild is a wonderful experience in itself, but by being part of an all-Ireland recording scheme, your observations can make a significant contribution towards their conservation.

If you have sightings to report click on the 'Sightings' icon on the IWDG home page and then use the 'Report a sighting' option.