Humpback whale spotted off island

A humpback tail was spotted by a fisherman on Monday

A humpback whale has been spotted off the coast of the Isle of Man.

The huge mammal was spotted by a fisherman about 20ft (6m) away from his boat at the southern end of Port Soderick Bay on Monday.

Humpback whale adults can grow up to 52ft (16m) in length and can live to the age of about 77.

The Department of Tourism hopes the sighting will encourage interest in national whale and dolphin watch week, which starts on 21 June.

It said eight species of whales, dolphins and porpoises are considered to be regular visitors off the Isle of Man, including killer whales.

Officials are hoping to encourage visitors to spot the species from cliffs and beaches rather than boats.

John Galpin, of the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, said: "From a high vantage point such as a cliff, it is often possible to see far more than from a boat which sits at sea level.

"Land based whale watching also ensures that any negative impact on the marine animals being observed is totally avoided."