Well-known orca Old Thom spotted again in Mass. waters

“Old Thom,” a solitary male orca, was sighted again off Cape Cod on August 12, 2025. Donna Piraino, who helps operate Go Girl Fish Fishing Charters, filmed the moment while searching for tuna near Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy confirmed the orca's identity from her video. “Old Thom” has returned to the area several times since 2016, first coming to the attention of researchers in 2015 while swimming in the Bay of Fundy. With a massive dorsal fin and a length of over 25 feet, he displays unique characteristics, including a solitary lifestyle, often swimming alone or with dolphins.

Orcas are typically social animals, making “Old Thom's” behavior an anomaly worth studying. His presence highlights the biodiversity in Massachusetts waters and sparks interest in conservation efforts. Continued monitoring of such solitary orcas can provide insights into marine ecosystems and the health of oceanic wildlife.