Rare orca sighting surprises locals in Oslofjord

A group of orcas appeared near the shore in Drøbak on Monday, drawing astonished reactions from onlookers and prompting experts to highlight the importance of reporting such encounters. The sighting was first reported by Akershus Amtstidene and later confirmed by witnesses speaking to Dagbladet.

Valentina Plotnitska, a resident originally from Ukraine, was at a waterfront restaurant in Drøbak when the orcas surfaced just metres from the dock. “Suddenly, someone shouted, ‘Look! Look!’” she told Dagbladet. “Three orcas emerged so calmly and beautifully. It was the first time in my life I’ve seen them in the wild.”

Plotnitska described the experience as deeply moving, adding that the presence of such animals so close to land gave her “a feeling that this place is safe and peaceful.”

Marine researcher Martin Biuw of Norway’s Institute of Marine Research confirmed that orca sightings in the area are unusual. He urged the public to report observations and maintain a respectful distance. “If you’re in a boat, avoid high speeds or approaching them actively,” Biuw advised. “If you stay still, they might even come closer out of curiosity.”

Ove Cornelius Olsen, aboard the vessel Tyra near Drøbak, also witnessed the orcas while searching for lost fishing gear. “We saw a sailboat pointing at something—a huge fin breaking the surface, then two smaller ones beside it,” he recounted. “They were herding fish, slapping them with their tails to stun them. It was incredible to watch.”

The orcas remained in Drøbaksundet for a short time before swimming toward the inner Oslofjord. Plotnitska expressed hope that others had shared the moment: “I wish more people got to see it and feel that same sense of wonder.”