For the first time since 2017 a humpback whale has been photographed swimming in Manx waters.

The images were captured by Ben and Katie Hellowell, around 50 metres offshore between Peel and Niarbyl.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch say the pair first saw the animal leap vertically out of the water facing towards them, and could see the entire body, head, and flippers with only its tail remaining under the water.

They turned off their boat engines and further spotted the whale surface a few times as it headed south along the coast.

Humpback sightings in Manx waters are typically only reported every few years - with sightings prior to 2017 in 2013 and 2010.

Jen Adams, Education and Outreach Manager for Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch told Lewis Foster just how rare an encounter it was.