Predation in the Sub Basin
We found one group of orca as soon as we dropped off the shelf. We stayed with them for a few minutes before we realised there was more action ahead! Pushing further South, to find they were chasing something, surging through the water at pace. It was not long until a medium sized Beaked Whale porpoised out of the water in the middle of the Orca group. It was flanked by two sub-adult orca who quickly pushed it back down under the water.
As we watched on the Orca methodically worked as a team, which involved multiple calves and adults. Razor, Blade, Cookie, Nibbles and Digby were all involved in the predation. With approximately ten other orcas coming in to assist.
Confronting Images
As they made the final blow to the prey a sudden explosion of white water was stained red. Although very confronting it was over within seconds and the orca was soon below the surface out of sight. Glimpses of sharks filled the time void. The Albatrosses and Giant Petrel entertained passengers while the orca were busy deep below.
Digby rose slowly, his dorsal fin slicing through the oily surface and presented us with the top half of the whale. Except this time the animal was a lot smaller than before. Could it have been they hunted a vulnerable beaked whale calf and its mother?
Different Species
There are over 20 different species of Beaked Whale. Identifying the species can often be difficult from only a quick glance at the animal or even limited photographs. We believe the whales today were Cuvier’s Beaked Whales. These are a typical species on the Orca menu.
The juvenile orcas seemed to be right in on the action every step of the way as we watched on in awe for hours. Some orca became excited or agitated and breached, belly flopped, tail slapped and surged. The curious ones came past and under the bow too many times to count. But it gave the passengers a front row seat to the wild orca show!!
Now We Have Our Answer
We have been asking and waiting for the Orca to show us their prey and they most certainly did that today. A few soggy passengers from this morning’s rain were treated with clear skies. On our way home as we dried out, we reminisced on the day’s unreal expedition!
