Stunning new pictures have emerged of two orcas off the Cornish coast – an exceptionally rare encounter that the captain of a wildlife cruise described as a “real privilege”.

The orcas were spotted on Wednesday afternoon (April 1), with AK Wildlife Cruises Falmouth identifying them as the world‑famous John Coe and Aquarius – the last surviving members of the UK’s West Coast Community of orca.

The crew said they felt “unbelievably lucky” to encounter the pair, calling the moment “truly special” given the whales’ iconic status and the extreme rarity of sightings in English waters.