Stunning new pictures have emerged of two orcas off the Cornish coast – an exceptionally rare encounter that the captain of a wildlife cruise described as a “real privilege”.
The orcas were spotted on Wednesday afternoon (April 1), with AK Wildlife Cruises Falmouth identifying them as the world‑famous John Coe and Aquarius – the last surviving members of the UK’s West Coast Community of orca.
The crew said they felt “unbelievably lucky” to encounter the pair, calling the moment “truly special” given the whales’ iconic status and the extreme rarity of sightings in English waters.
Speaking to the Packet, Captain Keith and Jake from AK Wildlife Cruises said it was a “real privilege” to see the pair just off the coast of Cornwall.
“To have been able to share some quality and careful time with them – John Coe and Aquarius, two very well‑known and beloved animals, the last remaining in their pod and both believed to be over 60 years old – was incredibly moving. “So the fact it was these two we had the privilege to see just filled us with emotion and joy.”
When asked whether the orcas might return, the crew said there is “always a chance”, though sightings this far south remain exceptionally rare. The last confirmed visit was in May 2021, when the pair were spotted off the Minack Theatre.
The excitement spread beyond the water. Staff at Polpeor Café at the Lizard’s Most Southerly Point said they enjoyed a “great and busy evening” as visitors gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse. “We even got to see whales,” they posted, thanking photographer Terence Thirlaway for capturing the moment.
While wildlife presenter Steve Backshall said he was "was over the moon" after filming the two orcas in Falmouth Bay, Cornwall on his camera yesterday.
Steve was out in the bay when they spotted the Orcas, the world‑famous “John Coe” and his long‑time companion “Aquarius”, in Falmouth Bay and later off the Lizard on Wednesday.
He was particularly pleased with the quality of the video captured on his phone.
According to the Killer Whales Fandom database, W001 ‘John Coe’ is an adult male and one of the last surviving individuals from the critically endangered West Coast Community of orca found in Scotland.
Believed to be around 60 years old, he is thought to be one of the oldest male killer whales living in the wild. He is almost always seen travelling alongside W008 ‘Aquarius’, the only other remaining member of the population.
To find out more, visit akwildlifecruises.co.uk or contact the team on 07553 606838
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