Killer whales 'put on a show' in River Clyde

Sightseers at the River Clyde in Scotland were awestruck by the sight of orcas frolicking in the water.

A pod of killer whales was seen from one of the ferries which takes tourists around the estuary of the Scottish river on Saturday.

It was an unusual sight as the mammals usually prefer colder water, and at least one calf was seen with the adult whales by charmed passers-by.

Witnesses described a "once in a lifetime" experience after seeing the whales, which usually feed in Norway and Iceland, up close.

Tourist @OorLorna said on Twitter: "Thank you @Western_Ferries for the fabulous view of the orcas. A once in a life time experience."

Keir Downes tweeted: "So cool at my folks in #scotland and some whales come feeding down the Clyde so amazing seeing nature so close."

One whale was described as "putting on a show" for those on the ferry, as it jumped out of the water.

Orcas are sociable animals and travel in groups of up to 50.

Despite their "killer" nickname, they have never been known to show aggression to humans in the wild and rarely among themselves, according to cetacean charity ORCA.

In the UK, they are seen most regularly around the Shetland and Orkney islands.

The Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team warned: "We have received reports of a pod Orca Whales with a young calf in the Inverclyde/ Renfrewshire area of the River Clyde.

"If you are operating a vessel in the area please ensure not to get too close and allow a wide berth."