Two sightings of a rare breed of shark have been reported off the Pembrokeshire coast in recent weeks.

The thresher shark is an uncommon visitor to Welsh waters but has was spotted twice during the 2024 National Whale and Dolphin Watch which ran from July 26 to August 4.

The event aims to get a ‘snapshot’ of what can be seen in UK waters, with the data collected giving an idea as to the distribution of whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Across the first five days alone more than 200 sightings of eleven different species were recorded including "the most exciting sightings" of the thresher sharks off the Pembrokeshire coast.

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What is a thresher shark?

Thresher sharks are large, with a "classic shark shape" - a torpedo-shaped body, large dorsal fin and large pectoral fins, according to The Wildlife Trusts.

Thresher sharks can grow up to 6 metres in length and can live for up to 50 years. They are also able to jump high out of the water into the air.

What sets it apart from other sharks, the wildlife organisation added, is its "long upper lobe of the tail, which can be as long as the shark's body".

They are a migratory species and passes through UK waters in the summer months.

Native wild animals in the UK

The Wildlife Trusts added: "The thresher shark spends most of its time in the deep waters of the open sea, rarely straying into coastal areas."

MAPPED: See where the rare thresher sharks were sighted off the Pembrokeshire coast

The National Whale and Dolphin Watch said thresher sharks are "uncommon visitors to Welsh waters" which made the two sightings off the Pembrokeshire coast so exciting.

The two sightings of the thresher sharks were reported:

  • In St Brides Bay
  • Offshore from Grassholm Island

Other marine life to be spotted off the Welsh coast during the 2024 National Whale and Dolphin Watch included:

  • Bottlenose dolphins - hotspots including New Quay, Aberporth, Mwnt, Ynys Lochtyn (all in Ceredigion) and Point Lynas (Anglesey)
  • Harbour porpoise - entire Welsh coast
  • Common dolphins
  • Great seals - North Wales and Cardigan Bay
  • Risso’s dolphins - various locations in Wales

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The 2024 National Whale and Dolphin Watch event saw thousands of volunteers from across the UK take part.

The event is organised by Britain’s oldest marine mammal research and education charity - Sea Watch Foundation.

The foundation added: "This summer has been amazing for sightings of a wide variety of species."