Students have 'magical encounter' with pilot whale

Researchers from the University of Plymouth were on the vessel

A group of researchers had the "luck of a lifetime" after a close encounter with a group of pilot whales.

Researchers from the University of Plymouth were on a vessel which students board to conduct surveys on the marine animals along the South West coastline.

On the way back to the city, a student spotted a fin poking out of the water, over a nautical mile away.

While approaching the group, the captain then cut the engine, which led to a special encounter.

Becky Dudley, a researcher at the University of Plymouth, said: "The group of pilot whales just spent half an hour or so feeding and we had a few really curious animals, one of them swam right under the boat, we could hear them vocalising.

"It was one of the most magical encounters I have had with marine mammals.

"It's so interesting to note the behaviour and seeing them this close to shore is a bit more unusual."

The captain cut the engine, which led to a special encounter

Speaking on the importance of turning the engine off, she added: "It's really important we cut the engine, this encounter highlights what happens when you let the animals come to you.

"We also have a microphone below the vessel, so when you cut that engine you can really hear the sounds that they are making.

"Helping the animals to have the choice to choose the encounter is really special."