A group of friends have been slammed after leaping into the sea to swim with protected whales.
A trio of men were seen jumping from a pleasure boat and chasing a pod of pilot whales.
They came within feet of the mammals as their friends on board egged them on and filmed the stunt, before the swimmers returned to the boat and the whales continued on their way.
READ MORE: Woman probed for mailing ‘King George III’s’ pistol
The clip was shot in the Strait of Gibraltar, off Spain, with Morocco’s Rif Mountains visible in the background.
It happened on Saturday (4 Oct), as reported by Need To Know.
Since it surfaced, social media users have criticised the swimmers for their reckless actions.
One wrote: “Here in Tenerife, the Guardia Civil came to the port where I work to identify seven people who rented a boat and swam with pilot whales.
“They face more than €60,000 (£52,109) in fines.”
Dani added, “The fine is hefty. Pilot whales are highly protected.”
Juanjo said, “That’s not allowed.”
Another commented: “Exactly what they ask you not to do.”
A fifth warned: “Get between the pod and you’ll see what can happen to you. Pilot whales are dangerous if you invade their pod’s space.”
Aside from breaking local wildlife protection laws, the swimmers could have risked injury from strong currents, sharks or even tail strikes from the whales.
The Strait of Gibraltar is a protected marine corridor, with pilot whales present year-round.
Boats must stay at least 60 metres away from marine mammals, as close encounters can cause stress.
Rule breakers face fines of up to €300,000 (£260,483).
Authorities have not yet confirmed any investigation into the latest incident.
READ MORE: Opera singer sings ‘Marriage of Figaro’ while having brain tumour removed
