Dublin and back again

Time for another MARINElife survey across the Irish Sea.
For once the weather was set fair and looking promising.
Our first trip from Heysham to Dublin and back on one of Seatruck's container ships. We left at midnight and returned the following midnight, so quite a tiring trip.
Well worth it though, as we spotted a large pod of feeding Common Dolphins and a Minke Whale! I have to admit to being nearly speechless when this popped up right by the ship, as after five years of surveying I did not really believe that whales could be seen in the Irish Sea. This one was very obliging, showing itself several times before diving and leaving a lovely 'fluke print' on the surface.
Wow!