Large walrus spotted snoozing on Calshot Beach by fisherman

Darren Mckell and his wife Caroline and son Luke were out fishing in the early hours when they clocked a “big lump” on the shore.

With their curiosity getting the better of them, the Holbury family approached and were met with what has been described as a surreal sight – a large walrus chilling out.

UPDATE: Walrus swims away from Calshot beach - See video

Speaking on the experience, Darren, 49, said: “It was unbelievable and such a shock.

“I thought it was a seal at first but as I got closer I saw it was huge and it was a walrus.

The walrus spotted by Darren and family (Image: Darren Mckell)

“It was absolutely amazing to see something like that, especially in these waters. I hadn’t realised how rare it was to see a walrus here.”

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Darren shared the spectacular sight on a Facebook Live just after 6.30am, which has since been shared by over 1,200 people.

The family alerted British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR) who are currently at the scene along with the coastguard.

According to the BDLMR, the animal, nicknamed Thor, was first sighted in the Netherlands on November 6 and has been travelling along the coast of France as far as Brittany in the last few weeks.

Darren added: “It was lovely to see but something you’d never expect. I’ve never seen a walrus in the wild as they don’t normally live in these areas.

Darren, Luke, and Caroline (Image: Darren Mckell)

“Seeing the walrus was a double-take moment.”

People are advised to steer clear of the walrus to prevent disturbing it and they are protected from disturbance under UK law.

A spokesperson from the BDLMR said: “Key advice is being issued to everyone to give the walrus a very wide berth to avoid disturbing it. They travel long distances and have rest stops to recover and regain energy before moving on again.

“Every time it is disturbed by people being too close or noisy will impact it’s chances of survival. Walruses are protected from disturbance under UK law.

“Of course we do not know how long Thor will be around the UK, but while he/she is here we ask everyone to behave sensibly and responsibly for their safety as well as that of the walrus to avoid a worst case scenario occurring.”

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