Bhatkal: A rare sighting of a pod of orca whales near Murdeshwar off Netrani has captivated marine enthusiasts and local tour operators, who see it as a potential boon for tourism. This unusual event follows a baleen whale sighting two years ago near Bhatkal, challenging the belief that orcas are seldom seen in these waters.

Tourists and trainers en route to Netrani for scuba diving were thrilled to encounter three orcas, circling their boat for over half an hour, according to Ganesh, operator of a adventure club. Despite locals expressing surprise at this unprecedented sighting, experts like Dipani Sutaria, a Cetacean Biologist, insist that orca sightings along the west coast are an annual phenomenon.

Sutaria explained that these whales are part of their regular migratory route between the Southern Bay of Bengal and the Western Arabian Sea. Sightings in various locations, including southern Maharashtra, Mangaluru, Udupi, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, and now near Murudeshwar, have been documented annually.

Shivakumar Haragi, a Marine Biology Professor at Karnataka University, Dharwad, clarified that killer whales, while aggressive and primary predators in the sea, pose no threat to humans. Despite concerns from some tourists about diving near Netrani when the whales are present, Ganesh Harikanthra believes the sighting enhances tourism, as visitors expressed excitement, applauding and cheering as the whales displayed their playful behavior.

Professor Haragi suggested that the pod may consist of an adult and two juveniles, adding an extra layer of fascination to this unique marine encounter.