A “misunderstanding” led to criticism
John Coe and Aquarius, the two brothers orca, spotted swimming off Lizard Point in Cornwall on April 1, 2026 (Image: Cornwall Wildlife Trust onboard AK Wildlife Cruises)
A holiday park in Cornwall has apologised after a “misleading” post about orca sightings was called out by more informed followers.
Beachside Holiday Park in Hayle said two famous orcas known as John Coe and Aquarius had been seen nearby, pitching itself as the “perfect place” for hopeful spotters to stay.
In a widely-shared message yesterday (Monday, May 18), it posted on Facebook: “Exciting scenes along the Cornish coast – legendary orca brothers John Coe and Aquarius have been spotted off Hayle Bay.
“Looking for the perfect place to stay during your sightings? Beachside Holiday Park is just moments from Hayle Bay, offering a relaxing base between adventures, sweeping coastal views, and everything you need to make the most of your Cornish escape.”
However the post seemed to confuse the location and did not note that the Cornwall sighting was weeks ago, nor that it was only the second time in five years the pair had been seen in Cornish waters.
The well-known orca duo, who are the last two members of the West Coast orca community, were spotted off The Lizard by wildlife spotters on April 1.
Wildlife explorer and presenter Steve Backshall also filmed the duo swimming, posting a video to Instagram filmed in April around Lizard Point – some 22 miles away on the other side of the Cornwall coastline.
In an update this morning (Tuesday, May 19) Beachside Holiday Park apologised for “any misunderstanding” of the reported orca sighting.
A spokesperson said: “Recent reports have highlighted that these remarkable animals were first seen near St Agnes, before later being spotted off Lizard Point by Steve Backshall in April of this year, rather than specifically in Hayle Bay.
“These sightings are part of a wider movement around the Cornish coast and show just how special local waters can be for marine wildlife.
“It’s exciting to share wildlife news, but accuracy matters too so thanks to everyone who helped clarify the details. And regardless of exactly where they’re spotted, seeing orca in Cornish waters remains an extraordinary event.”
Despite the apology and explanation, commenters expressed their irritation at the post with many noting that the orca had been spotted yesterday back in Scotland, where they are more frequently sighted.
One person said the post was “misleading”, writing: “The sighting in April began in Falmouth Bay when they were encountered by AK Wildlife Cruises Falmouth, and later off the Lizard Point.
“There have been Risso’s dolphins in the Bay of late, which with their tall dorsal fins can often be mistaken for orcas. However, John Coe and Aquarius are assuredly not here!”
John Coe and Aquarius, the two brothers orca, spotted swimming off Lizard Point in Cornwall on April 1, 2026 (Image: Cornwall Wildlife Trust onboard AK Wildlife Cruises)
Another said: “That image is not JC or Aquarius AND they were photographed off Mull yesterday.”
Someone else suggested: “You stand a better chance of seeing Shergar of the tooth fairy in this fabricated Hayle Bay.”
Before they were spotted off The Lizard, John Coe and Aquarius had not been seen in Cornwall for almost exactly five years, Marine Discovery Penzance said. At that time, they were spotted from the Minack Theatre.
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust shared footage of the rare sighting in April, posting on Facebook at the time: “We were delighted to hear that John Coe and Aquarius had surfaced in Cornish waters earlier in the week. These unique orca are only recorded off the UK and Ireland and it’s such a privilege to encounter these iconic killer whales.
“The last time John Coe and Aquarius were recorded off Cornwall was back in May 2021. Nine days after they turned up off Skye…where will they surface next?”
RSPB Dumfries and Galloway reported sightings in its area last week, posting photos on May 10 that regular spotters confirmed to be the famous pair. Several spotters noted that John Coe has a distinctive notch in his dorsal fin that makes identification easier, while another excited local said: “The boys are back.”