Killer whales kick-start fourteenth research expedition
The crew of our fourteenth research expedition surveyed the Sea of the Hebrides, encountering four species of cetacean in their week-long trip. On the first afternoon the team were surprised to sight the West Coast Community killer whales travelling past Ardnamurchan Point. Read all about their time on board Silurian here…
DAY 1
18.00 hours, Tobermory is the place to be.
The intrepid crew (Rachel, Jane, Julia Alex, Jen and Vanessa) met in the harbour for the trip of a life time on Silurian to look for adventure with their helpful and knowledgeable crew (Emma, Jake, Jenny and Jessie). After berths were allocated and a delicious meal was eaten, we had various presentations before bed, dreaming of what was to come.
DAY 2
We all awoke refreshed and ready to go. After breakfast we had more important talks and presentations to make sure we were all safe on board and well prepared for the day.
After hot toasted hotcross buns we left our mooring and headed out towards Ardnamurchan point and after sighting numerous creels we were then treated to a display of common dolphins all heading to feed. Soon after we saw a minke whale surfacing. We were sailing along admiring Ardnamurchan lighthouse when it got even better and we were treated to sightings of the famous duo John Coe and Aquarius, who were spending time cruising around the headland. Many pictures were taken accompanied by screams of delight and wonder at the amazing sight. They hung round with us for quite a while and looked as if they were swimming in tandem in close formation. Everyone on board was delighted and sad to leave them behind to continue our journey to moor up for the night at Croig. An evening trip ashore lead to an impromptu swim and beach exploration. So how can we top that tomorrow?
DAY 3
After awaking to a fog horn from a passing ferry we started the day in bright sunshine. A tasty breakfast was followed by a fairly rapid sighting of common dolphins near the Cairns of Coll, who were bow riding with us, accompanied by some juveniles. After second breakfast we were in for a treat - we saw numerous gannets diving, then saw a lot of common dolphins in the mix followed by two separate groups of minkes lunge feeding. It's fair to say there was a lot of whooping and excitement on board !
After a successful day of surveying, we moored up next to the Singing Sands on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and, after domestic jobs were completed, we all head out for a fantastic swim on such an amazing beach that we had all to ourselves. What a day!
DAY 4
Waking up to blue skies once again we set off to survey northwest towards Eigg. We then headed northeast, towards Skye with the panoramic sights of Eigg and Rhum to port, Arisaig to starboard and the awesome mountain ranges of Skye ahead. In the Sound of Arisaig, we witnessed a feeding frenzy of common dolphin and lunge feeding minke whales, captured on camera.
Passing Mallaig and the Aird of Sleat, we surveyed Loch Slapin and out via Loch a' Ghlinne before sailing back towards the Small Isles and into Kinloch on Rhum for the evening. An extended time ashore was scheduled to explore the delights of Rhum, including the otter hide, shop and hot showers.
DAY 5
Waking up to a windy morning anchored off Rhum we made a prompt departure, sailing to the southwest between Rhum and Eigg. As we passed Muck to port, the southeasterly winds freshened, and Silurian headed out on a lengthy transect to the west of Coll and Tiree. There were glimpses of common dolphins and a minke whale, and sightings of single seals.
With conditions less favourable for spotting, and few indications on the hydrophone feed of cetacean activity, we had to content ourselves with a lively on mast experience, with the foresail up to make the most of the fresh wind.
In the evening there was a new anchorage for Silurian: Feall Bay on the west coast of Coll, a beautiful sandy bay where the swimming was cold but the bird life, rainbow and sunset were gorgeous. We returned to the ship for a stupendous haggis supper, duly addressed by Skipper Emma in Robert Burns' time-honoured words.
DAY 6
We awoke earlier to enjoy overnight oats and a last view of fabulous Feall Bay. The weather was glorious with excellent sighting conditions. We left the bay with several seal sightings, and headed towards Tobermory. There was a flurry of common dolphin sightings, along with a humongous tuna leaping clear of the water three times! As we approached the fishing bank at the entrance to the Sound of Mull, a minke whale was seen feeding amongst the kittewakes and gannets.
What a final day, before we all come together to take care of Silurian!
Across 7 days, the group surveyed 190 miles of Hebridean waters encountering 6 species of marine mammals.
