The CLdN port staff, ship’s crew and Captain, Kaspar Sinimas, were as always friendly, helpful, and efficient on our arrival to Heysham through to embarking the ship Performance. Once onboard we were shown our day cabins, provided with a tasty simple breakfast, and made very welcome by the steward.

As the ship got underway for the journey, we were shown up to the bridge to commence the survey from Heysham to Warrenpoint. The survey commenced from 09.50 am after leaving the Heysham area. Visibility was good, and as we sailed past the Calf of Man we could see the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland on the horizon. As we made the approach into Carlingford Lough we concluded the survey at 16.30.

On this outward-bound route, we observed and recorded Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, a couple of Manx Shearwater, Cormorant and a few varieties of gulls. The numbers of each where not as high as we had hoped, nor were there any sightings of the ever elusive cetaceans.  The ships steward provided us with a pleasant meal as we made our way through Carlingford Lough, and we continued to look for wildlife as we approached Warrenpoint, though not as part of the official survey.

Once we left the ship, we checked in with the CLdN port office staff to let them know we had arrived and to confirm the time we needed to return in the morning. We then walked through Warrenpoint to The Whistledown Hotel as the weather was so lovely. There, we checked into our rooms and settled down for the evening, although Tony did take a walk along the seafront where he watched some Black Guillemot and various gulls.

The following morning, we enjoyed the fabulous Whistledown breakfast and a refreshing brew, checked out of the hotel, and took a stroll to the port ready for our return trip.  However, when we arrived at the port office as agreed for 8.00 am we were told that there had been an issue with the outgoing ship the previous night. This meant that our return journey was going to be delayed until 20.30 that evening.  Obviously, the issue had been beyond the control of the Warrenpoint CLdN staff, who were very apologetic and made our booking for the evening sailing.

Tony and I decided to make the most of the opportunity presented to us to explore the beautiful Warrenpoint town and area, especially as the weather was so good. We headed back into the town which was a great chance to get the “steps in”! Tony decided to take a bus and visit Kilbroney Park and National Nature Reserve in Rostrevor, while I decided to stay along the sea front, where I was lucky enough to spot an Otter!  The locals of Warrenpoint were so lovely and friendly and chatty during our mini explorations of the area.

We returned to the port and boarded the ship Point for 17.30, where the ship steward greeted us, showed us to our cabins, and kindly prepared us an evening meal.  The departure time was confirmed again to be expected at 20.30 and the tide came in.

While we waited for the sailing, we looked for wildlife from the passenger deck level and recorded Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, and Hooded Crow. The sun was beginning to set as the docking hawsers were released and we slowly made our way through the Carlingford Lough, and it had completely set behind the mountains before we sailed past the lighthouses into the open sea.  Although we were unable to undertake an official return trip survey, we did see masses of Cormorant and a single Common Seal balancing on the rocks near to the lighthouse as we exited the Lough.

We planned to be up for 05.00 to see if it would be possible to get to the bridge to try for an early morning survey, but alas this was not possible as the ship was on its close approach into Heysham harbour.  Instead, we had a light breakfast and made observations from the lounge area and the rear outer deck, recording Gannet, Kittiwake, and several gull sp. in small numbers, though not recorded as part of a survey.

We would like to thank all the CLdN staff, employees, stewards, and Captains Kaspar Sinimas and Leszek Kiszenwski for their hospitality throughout the whole of our trips.  Without the support of CLdN our surveys would not be possible.

Louise Williams and Tony Marshall, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather
Outward – slight cloud, good visibility: sea state averaging 3.
Return – minimal cloud or glare, good visibility sea state around 2-3