Global first as orcas filmed hunting in Bay

In a global environmental first, five orcas have been filmed hunting and killing a dolphin in Algoa Bay.



The world class eco- tourism event was witnessed, photographed and filmed by Port Elizabeth- based dive tour operator Rainer Schimpf of Expert- Tours, boat skipper Louis van Aardt of Pro Dive and four foreign dive tourists – including Swiss diver Pascal Fazio, who shot this amazing photograph.

In an equally amazing sequel to the kill, five members of the crew then joined the “killer whales” in the water and captured further footage underwater, in what is believed to be a first for South African waters.

Orcas live mainly near the north and south poles but are occasionally spotted by fishermen at this time of year in Algoa Bay.

But capturing the dolphin hunt on film and joining the huge predators beneath the surface was what made the event world class, Schimpf said.

Expert-Tours‘ “advanced sardine run” offers tourists the opportunity to see ocean predators feeding on baitballs of sardine, and the crew was on the lookout for dolphins as a signal of activity below, Schimpf said.

“We were on our way back into the bay after an excursion to Maitlands on Friday. We had stopped to refuel off Cape Recife and realised that a pod of dolphins was coming up behind us. Then we saw the giant fins behind them closing in with incredible speed – and we knew it was orcas as well.”

There were five of them, comprising two 7m animals, probably males, two females of 5m and a calf of about 3m, he said.

“As we followed them we saw them separate one dolphin from the rest of the pod and bump it out of the water. They did this a number of times until it was just lying unconscious on the surface. Then they grabbed it and pulled it below.

“It was sad for the dolphin but it was obviously a hunting lesson for the calf and it was mind-blowing to be able to capture it on film.”

Fazio, 36, who comes from Zug in Switzerland, said he had been simply lucky to get the definitive shot of the orca knocking the hapless dolphin into the air. “I was waiting for the perfect opportunity and it came. It was one of the most special moments I have ever experienced.”

The orcas then left their chase and became aware of the boat and slowed down and circled it, Schmidt said.

“My four clients and I decided to join them in the water. While orcas in the northern hemisphere feed mostly on fish like herring, the species in the south focuses on mammals like seals and dolphins, so we were cautious.

“But they were just curious, and quite friendly. At one point the mother of the calf brought it towards us, shielded against her side as if to show us to it.”

Schimpf, who is also spokesman for the marine conservation lobby group Ocean Messengers, said the event was further evidence that “Algoa Bay offers the best dive opportunities world-wide.... and needs to be protected accordingly.

“It is a heritage of enormous tourism value and has huge potential to support eco-friendly business, for present and future generations.”