Thresher Shark Bursts Out of Water Surprising Everyone On Board

Imagine embarking on a serene boat trip, hoping to spot some playful dolphins off the Welsh coast. The sea is calm, the sky is clear, and your camera is ready. Suddenly, a massive, 16-foot-long thresher shark bursts out of the water.

This is precisely what happened near New Quay, and the incredible moment was captured by Joshua Pedley, better known as “The Wildlife Man”, a local boat guide for SeaMôr Dolphin Watching Boat Trips.

A Rare Sighting in UK Waters

Image credit: Courtesy of Joshua Pedley, The Wildlife Man

We spoke with Joshua Pedley to get his insights on this extraordinary experience, and here’s what he had to share:

It isn’t unheard of for there to be thresher sharks in these waters but to be in the right place at the right time to see one, you have to be incredibly lucky. Even luckier to successfully photograph one.

We estimate the shark to be between 16-20 feet long. Seeing a shark of this size isn’t a reason to cause panic, thresher sharks are harmless to humans. We should see it as a reason to celebrate, if our waters can support such a beautiful creature then our waters are very healthy and rich with fish.

The Man Behind the Lens

Joshua Pedley, the man who captured this stunning moment, was running a one-hour dolphin-spotting trip when the shark decided to make its grand appearance. “I couldn’t believe it. I quickly put my camera up and zoomed in to where it leapt from and leapt again another two times,” Pedley recounted. His quick reflexes and keen eye have given us a glimpse into the majesty of marine life.

The Art of Fish-Based Engineering

Thresher sharks are not your average sea creatures. They are a marvel of “fish-based engineering,” as Pedley describes them. With tails as long as their bodies, these sharks are not just enormous but also exquisitely designed. They use their tails as weapons to stun their prey, making them active predators.

Fun Facts to Sink Your Teeth Into

Thresher sharks can swim at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Their long tails can be as much as half their total length.
Thresher sharks are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water, a behaviour known as “breaching.”

Watch The Thresher Shark Hunt With Its Tail

Final Thoughts

The unexpected appearance of a thresher shark during a dolphin-spotting trip is a thrilling reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability and grandeur. So the next time you’re on a boat trip, keep your eyes peeled—you never know what wonders you might encounter in the deep blue sea.

Thank you Joshua Pedley from SeaMôr Dolphin Watching Boat Trips for sharing this incredible encounter with Animals Around The Globe. You can follow Joshua on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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Tara Panton

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Marine Biology

Tara is an ocean enthusiast who spends her time exploring the South African coastline. With an Honours Degree in Marine Biology and previous experience in Marketing, she now channels her passion for the marine environment into a career in Science Communication.

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