KOTA KINABALU – For most, the New Year’s merry-making is over and it is time to get back to work.
But divers in Semporna may have had the best back-to-work surprise of 2021.
They were startled to find a pod of four orcas while on a diving excursion near Sipadan Island.
Photos of the orcas frolicking near Barracuda Point near Sipadan were shared on Facebook by Semporna-born dive master Afat Abdurahim, who encountered the animals three days ago.
The diving company Afat works for, Scuba Junkie, also shared the photos of of the magnificent family of four.
Alongside the pictures, Afat had also uploaded a video of the unusual visitors.
Killer whales are an uncommon sight in tropical waters like Sabah, but experts say waters off the state’s east coast are part of its migratory route.
The Sabah Fisheries Department say while the presence of killer whales in Sabah waters is not common, they have been spotted in waters off Semporna in the past.
It is believed the orcas may be using Sabah waters as part of their migratory route as waters off Sipadan are quite deep.
The area is also a migratory route for yellowfin and bigeye tuna.
The killer whale belongs to the dolphin family as its largest member, and usually inhabits cold oceans.
They can be found in all of the world's major seas from the Arctic and Antarctica, to various tropical regions in and around the equator.
They usually prey on squid, octopus, seal, sea lion, sea otter, ray, dolphin, shark, baleen whale and of course, bony fishes. Occasionally, turtles and seabirds, including penguins, are added to their diet. – The Vibes, January 7, 2021
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