'Concern' as killer whales spotted along Berwickshire coast as man goes over board

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 13th May 2026

There was an un-nerving sighting for the St Abbs lifeboat team last night (Tuesday) - as they practiced man overboard drills.

The independent crew spotted a killer whale near them as they worked off the Berwickshire coast.

Orcas are occasionally seen in the area at this time of year as they're attracted by the local seal population.

It's the second year in a row the marine mammals - normally limited to the north and west of Scotland - have been spotted in the area, with a flurry of sightings as far south as Seahouses.

A spokesperson for St Abbs Lifeboat - which is funded by public donations - said: "Tonight, whilst our intrepid crew practiced capsize drills, various types of man overboard recovery, search patterns, steering failure and coastal familiarisation, our shore crew became slightly concerned when they spotted Orca in the vicinity!!

"Fear not however, as all our crew have returned safe and sound, and the lifeboat is back ready for service."

A pod of eight - including "an enormous bull" - were captured on camera off St Abbs Head around 8.10pm, heading in the direction of Fast Castle.

The sightings are being welcomed by boat operators in the area.

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