Killer whales seen off Sipadan, reinforces Semporna waters as marine mammal study area

The orcas sighted at Pulau Sipadan in January 2021. The iconic island is in the background. (Photo credit: Arapat Abdurahim)

KOTA KINABALU: A relatively rare sighting of four killer whales or orcas in waters around Sabah’s famed Pulau Sipadan reinforces the importance of the Semporna region for marine mammals and provides valuable data on marine mammal studies in the area.

Footage showing two adult orcas and two calves swimming to the north of Sipadan was captured and posted on social media by Scuba Junkie dive master Arapat Abdurahim last month.