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28 Apr
A group of Kayakers were joined by a huge shark as they were paddling in Strangford Lough this week.
Rory Martin, managing director of the Strangford Lough Activity Centre, was out on his kayak on Wednesday evening when it was approached by a basking shark.
After swimming close to the kayaks, the shark then swam underneath them with Rory saying that he has "never seen anything like it" in his life.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Rory said: "I was out on my kayak on Wednesday evening and paddling towards Angus Rock at the mouth of the Strangford Lough when the shark came towards us.
"It came close to our boats before swimming underneath them, which was quite surprising.
"I have never seen anything like it in my life and was quite shocked to see the shark in the lough because I am aware that they like deeper water.
"We think that the shark was a juvenile, as it was around 16 to 18ft long and fully grown adults can reach sizes of eight metres.
"It was a great experience and it is not often that the second biggest fish in the world swims under your boat.
"We are blessed with fantastic marine wildlife in Strangford. If you are lucky enough to have an experience such as this, remember these few top tips; let the animals approach you, do not chase or follow, stay no longer than 15 minutes and stay well back, sit back and enjoy from a distance!"
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