A pair of anglers say they "couldn't believe our eyes" when a porpoise surfaced in the River Trent.
Craig Reading and Matthew Haywood, both 35, had set up camp at the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border in Torksey Arm on Sunday, February 6, when they noticed something dwelling beneath the surface of the murky river.
Despite the harbour porpoises typically being very shy, one decided to make an appearance in front of them.
In a video shot by the pair the porpoise's fin and rounded face is visible for a split second as it surfaces for air.
"We were fishing and we heard a splash and I said that must have been a big fish," Mr Reading told LincolnshireLive.
"It came right past us and we couldn't believe our eyes.
"It was changing direction a lot, then it went back to where it came from."
Mr Reading said he had seen "nothing like it" before, describing the experience as "overwhelming" and "surreal."
"I probably won't see that again. We were just in the right place at the right time," he added.
According to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust porpoises can be spotted all across the UK.
It says: "Harbour porpoise can be easily spotted close to shore in shallow water, either alone or in small groups.
"They are shy and will avoid boats and jet skis. If you do manage to get close enough you may hear their loud “chuff” noise as they come to the surface for air, this gives them their nickname “puffing pig.” Harbour porpoise give birth to a small calf every one to two years."
To identify porpoises, people should "look out for a small, triangular dorsal fin breaking the surface.
"Harbour porpoise are small and stocky, with a dark grey back and lighter underbelly. Their faces are rounded and have no beak."
