Sperm whale sighting off Torbay, South Devon

Sperm whale spotted off the coast of south Devon. Credit Seawatch

Sperm whale in the Channel

On the 28th June at 09:30 observers were surprised to see a large whale very close to the shore off Torbay in South Devon. It was identified as a Sperm whale, the largest of all the toothed whales; they can grow to more than 18 metres in length.

They are easily distinguished by their huge square head, which constitutes one third to one quarter of the total body length. Sperm whales also have a distinctive blow, which has a forward and left direction very unlike any other whale. Sperm whales feed on deep sea squid and fish close to the edge of the continental shelf in the North Atlantic.

It is unusual for these animals to come onto the continental shelf into shallow waters although they occasionally have ventured into the western English Channel. However, it is very rare for the animal to travel as far east in Channel as this and to come so close to shore.

There were further reports later in the day of the animal travelling towards Berry Head.

Please report any future sightings of this animal to sightings@seawatchfoundation.org.uk or call 01545 561227.

Courtesy of Seawatch