Exact location killer dolphin was last spotted off UK coast after slaying shark
A killer dolphin is terrorising the waters off the coast of Cardigan Bay, in a phenomenon that has stunned marine experts and wildlife watchers.
The mammal, eerily nicknamed "Jack the Flipper", was filmed maiming a young dolphin before it launched a shark out of the sea in a violent killing spree.
The bottlenose dolphin, whose real name is Anakin (inspired by the troubled " Star Wars" character), was last seen off the coast of New Quay, Ceredigion - a popular wildlife hotspot in Wales known for its usually peaceful dolphin population.
But Anakin's behaviour is anything but peaceful. In a pair of shocking attacks, first reported by Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, the dolphin was observed brutally killing a juvenile common dolphin in March, before turning on a smooth-hound shark just last week - flinging it out of the water in front of stunned passengers.
Marine spotter Sarah Michelle Wyer, who has monitored dolphin behaviour in the bay for eight years, captured the chilling moment and said she'd never seen anything like it.
'I've not seen a dolphin throw a shark out in all my years watching them,' she told The Sun.
'One of the skippers has seen them throw topes, which is another small member of the shark family, but not smooth-hounds.
'But when Anakin killed the young common dolphin, it was the first recorded instance of this behaviour in Cardigan Bay. It is unknown why this dolphin chose to do it as it would have been of no threat.'
While dolphins are widely seen as friendly, intelligent creatures, bottlenose dolphins can also display aggressive, even sadistic behaviours, especially toward smaller animals and rivals.
'They are not 'friendly flipper'. This particular dolphin seems to have a very unusual personality,' Sarah added.
'Despite the name, common dolphins aren't common around here. And we now think this could be because of the bottlenose dolphins.'
The smooth-hound shark killed last week can grow up to 4ft in length, but would have been no match for a full-grown bottlenose dolphin, which can reach lengths of up to 12ft.
Initially believed to be a salmon, the shark was carried past a boat of onlookers before being launched violently into the air.
A spokesperson for Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips said: 'We were very surprised when one of our local dolphins, Anakin, brought what we originally thought was a large salmon past the boat and then threw the fish out of the water.
'To our surprise, it was not a salmon but a member of the shark family called a smooth-hound.
'We aren't sure if there are many records of smooth-hounds being part of a bottlenose dolphin's diet. Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet of fish, squid and crustaceans.
'Anakin's dolphinality is a very unusual one, to say the least.'
Where is 'Jack the Flipper' now?
Anakin was last spotted near New Quay, one of Cardigan Bay's main centres for dolphin watching. The waters between Aberaeron and Aberdovey are now being monitored more closely by local tour operators and researchers in case of further aggressive incidents.
While marine experts are not yet calling for intervention, concerns are growing about Anakin's impact on local wildlife, especially smaller dolphin species that may be avoiding the area.
Although bottlenose dolphins do not typically pose a threat to humans, their unpredictable nature - especially when displaying rogue or violent behaviours - means boaters and wildlife watchers are being urged to respect safe distances.
Marine biologists say Anakin's actions, while extreme, are not unprecedented globally - there have been cases of male dolphins targeting calves, rival pods, and even porpoises. But two lethal attacks, on different species, within three months in the same bay is exceptionally rare.
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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Exact location killer dolphin was last spotted off UK coast after slaying shark
Freak attacks on animals have sparked alarm in Wales as notorious dolphin 'Anakin' earns a chilling new nickname thanks to his latest fight with a shark in front of shocked onlookers A killer dolphin is terrorising the waters off the coast of Cardigan Bay, in a phenomenon that has stunned marine experts and wildlife watchers. The mammal, eerily nicknamed "Jack the Flipper", was filmed maiming a young dolphin before it launched a shark out of the sea in a violent killing spree. The bottlenose dolphin, whose real name is Anakin (inspired by the troubled " Star Wars" character), was last seen off the coast of New Quay, Ceredigion - a popular wildlife hotspot in Wales known for its usually peaceful dolphin population. But Anakin's behaviour is anything but peaceful. In a pair of shocking attacks, first reported by Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, the dolphin was observed brutally killing a juvenile common dolphin in March, before turning on a smooth-hound shark just last week - flinging it out of the water in front of stunned passengers. Marine spotter Sarah Michelle Wyer, who has monitored dolphin behaviour in the bay for eight years, captured the chilling moment and said she'd never seen anything like it. 'I've not seen a dolphin throw a shark out in all my years watching them,' she told The Sun. 'One of the skippers has seen them throw topes, which is another small member of the shark family, but not smooth-hounds. 'But when Anakin killed the young common dolphin, it was the first recorded instance of this behaviour in Cardigan Bay. It is unknown why this dolphin chose to do it as it would have been of no threat.' While dolphins are widely seen as friendly, intelligent creatures, bottlenose dolphins can also display aggressive, even sadistic behaviours, especially toward smaller animals and rivals. 'They are not 'friendly flipper'. This particular dolphin seems to have a very unusual personality,' Sarah added. 'Despite the name, common dolphins aren't common around here. And we now think this could be because of the bottlenose dolphins.' The smooth-hound shark killed last week can grow up to 4ft in length, but would have been no match for a full-grown bottlenose dolphin, which can reach lengths of up to 12ft. Initially believed to be a salmon, the shark was carried past a boat of onlookers before being launched violently into the air. A spokesperson for Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips said: 'We were very surprised when one of our local dolphins, Anakin, brought what we originally thought was a large salmon past the boat and then threw the fish out of the water. 'To our surprise, it was not a salmon but a member of the shark family called a smooth-hound. 'We aren't sure if there are many records of smooth-hounds being part of a bottlenose dolphin's diet. Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet of fish, squid and crustaceans. 'Anakin's dolphinality is a very unusual one, to say the least.' Where is 'Jack the Flipper' now? Anakin was last spotted near New Quay, one of Cardigan Bay's main centres for dolphin watching. The waters between Aberaeron and Aberdovey are now being monitored more closely by local tour operators and researchers in case of further aggressive incidents. While marine experts are not yet calling for intervention, concerns are growing about Anakin's impact on local wildlife, especially smaller dolphin species that may be avoiding the area. Although bottlenose dolphins do not typically pose a threat to humans, their unpredictable nature - especially when displaying rogue or violent behaviours - means boaters and wildlife watchers are being urged to respect safe distances. Marine biologists say Anakin's actions, while extreme, are not unprecedented globally - there have been cases of male dolphins targeting calves, rival pods, and even porpoises. But two lethal attacks, on different species, within three months in the same bay is exceptionally rare.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Terms and Conditions – Share your thoughts on The Sun's newsletters for a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher
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North Wales Live
7 days ago
- North Wales Live
'Dalek-like' emergency alert to blast from every UK phone again
Every mobile phone in the UK will ring out with a piercing 10-second siren later this year, as part of a Government initiative to trial its emergency alert system again. The deafening alarm, which drew surprise and bewilderment when first introduced in 2023, is set to buzz on devices nationwide in what authorities describe as a crucial trial for public safety measures, The Sun reports. This emergency alert system aims to swiftly inform residents about potentially life-threatening situations nearby, encompassing natural disasters, severe weather, or national security threats. The initial warning read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby," reports the Express. "In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action." The alarm triggered an immediate reaction, with many Brits expressing their shock online. One user wrote: "The emergency alert system just scared the f* out of me**," while another complained: "That alert was a bit loud." A third quipped: "It was so dalek like." This year's test comes as ministers urge the public to be prepared for any emergency, amid growing international tensions and concerns over global instability - including fears of a wider conflict erupting in the Middle East following unrest in Iran. Once this latest nationwide test is completed (the exact date is yet to be announced), officials say the system will be activated every two years to keep people ready for emergencies. The UK is not alone in pushing citizens to prepare. Earlier this year, the European Union issued advice to nearly 450 million people to stockpile emergency supplies in case of war, cyber-attacks, natural disasters or pandemics. The guidance included recommendations to store bottled water, high-energy snacks, torches and waterproof ID pouches, all intended to help families survive up to 72 hours without assistance. In addition, the EU is planning a crisis handbook to help residents prepare for "various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats," according to The Metro. France has already taken similar steps, issuing 20-page survival manuals with advice on dealing with everything from armed conflict and industrial accidents to nuclear incidents. The UK's own test alert in 2023 was not without hiccups. Some devices failed to receive the notification, prompting questions about the system's reliability. There has also been widespread speculation and misinformation about how the system works and what it actually does. A Cabinet Office spokesperson moved to reassure the public, saying: "This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly. This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises." The exact date of this year's alert is expected to be confirmed in the coming months.
