Cracker Day For Orca And Crayfish Catchers

Friday, January 4, 2008
PORT TARANAKI, NEW ZEALAND - Tim Williams could not believe it when he spotted four orca swimming close to the Lee Breakwater at Port Taranaki yesterday.

"I have never seen them like that before - they were a stone's throw from the breakwater. I was looking for somebody to tell but there was nobody around."

Mr Williams and Steven Voyle were heading out to check their cray pots about 6.30am, aboard the Silver Bullet skippered by Rex Stewart, when three adult and one juvenile orca appeared.

Mr Voyle, who snapped a picture on his mobile phone, said he was surprised when, instead of disappearing, the black and white creatures were content to swim around the boat for 10 minutes.

"Normally you can't get that close to them," he said.

Mr Williams said the orca seemed gentle and were happy to continue feeding while the men watched from the boat.

"It was like we weren't even there."

To top the day off, the craypots were full and the men went home with a good feed.

Source: Taranaki Daily News