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4 Apr 2003
Humpbacks on the starboard bow... CC2CV
breakthrough!
Cape Verde expedition finds
humpback whales.
As the whale research vessel "Anna M" sailed south
from Sao de Sal to Boavista on Sunday 29th March, the first
whale blow was sighted. Over the next hour the expedition team
photographed, filmed and sound recorded at least 6-8 and possibly
as many as a dozen humpback whales just 4 miles west of the
island of Boavista. |
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| Expedition leader Dr Simon
Berrow said: "It was quite incredible. After sailing for
nearly a month from southern Spain for the 'Anna M' to sail
into a courting group of humpback whales, singing, breaching
and slapping their brilliant white, pectoral fins on the deep
blue West African waters, it really was hard to believe".
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Finding humpbacks in these
often turbulent waters can be a painstaking task so it took
everyone by surprise. |
| "We had already seen common
and spotted dolphins and pilot whales en route but this was
a unique moment for all the team, one we really were not prepared
for so soon," said film producer Tony Whelan. |
| "On the hydrophone,
the eerie and evocative songs of humpbacks whales could be heard
on the hydrophone. It was a breathtaking moment for everyone
on board," said Dr Berrow. |
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