GOOD NEWS FOR nature lovers: the first humpback whale of the year has been spotted in Irish waters off the coast of Wexford today.

A group of whale-watchers had left Duncannon harbour early this morning hoping to catch a glimpse of a pod of fin whales reported to be in the area – but spotted the humpback swimming amongst the pod.

Speaking from the boat this afternoon, skipper Martin Colfers said the crew were “thrilled” to have spotted the humpback.

“The humpback is amongst the pod of about five to six fin whales three miles south of Hook Head,” he said. “There are lots of seals and birds about too so it’s an ocean of activity here”.

The whales were spotted three miles south of Hook Head Lighthouse. Anne Waters, the manager of the lighthouse, said the whales can be seen with binoculars from the lighthouse or on a charter boat to get even closer to the pod.

First humpback whale of 2012 spotted off the Wexford coast

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