University students have ‘magical encounter’ with pilot whales

A group of researchers had the “luck of a lifetime” after a close encounter with a group of pilot whales.

Researchers from the University of Plymouth were on a vessel which students board to conduct surveys on the marine animals along the South West coastline.

On the way back to the city, a student spotted a fin poking out of the water, over a nautical mile away.

While approaching the group, the captain then cut the engine, which led to a special encounter.