Humpback whale seen off the coast of St Ives for the second time in a fortnight
  • last year
This stunning video footage shows a rarely-seen humpback whale swimming off the coast of Cornwall.

Plumber Luke Austin, 43, captured drone footage of the whale close to Porthgwidden Beach, St. Ives.

This isn't the first time he has seen a humpback. Luke filmed another sighting on January 24 in Carbis Bay, less than two miles up the coast.

Luke can't be sure if it is the same humpback as fishermen had reported seeing a trio of whales in the area.

He said: "It’s an amazing sight to see. I know it’s a first for me seeing the humpbacks in this area. Pretty sure that’s the same for most people too.

"My wife and I swam with a Minke whale on the same beach last year and dolphins are regular visitors to the area now.

"Having the drone in the air gives you an amazing view of all things. The whale sighting was certainly a highlight!

"So many people have come to the area after seeing the footage of the whale to try and get a sighting themselves."

Humpback whale sightings in Cornwall were considered rare, but many have been spotted in the last three months.