In an extraordinary turn of events, the quaint coastal village of Ballintoy has become the centre of an unprecedented discovery. Early this morning, a local freediving instructor, Hanno Windisch of Freedive Northern Ireland, was left in awe as he encountered what appeared to be a real-life mermaid in the waters off the Causeway Coast.
Ballintoy’s Breathtaking Discovery
Hanno, who teaches eager divers breathwork techniques enabling them to dive without breathing apparatus, initially thought he had spotted a large fish or a seal. However, upon closer inspection, he realised it was a creature with the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish, basking near the rocks. The mermaid, described as having long flowing hair and an iridescent tail, seemed just as curious about Hanno as he was about her. He claims the creature sat on the rocks for approximately five minutes, before dipping back in to the cool waters of the Atlantic.
Proof of Mermaids on the Causeway Coast?
The instructor, who regularly takes his camera with him on diving excursions followed suit, and was able to capture just one image before the mermaid took off into the depths of the Atlantic. As an SSI Level Two Instructor in Freediving, Hanno tried to follow the mermaid’s path but she was too quick, even for his many years of professional diving.
The experienced freediving instructor regularly takes his camera out to sea with him to capture the biodiversity of the Causeway Coast's marine life
A Myth Comes to Life
Mermaids have long been part of local folklore, but never before has there been a claim of an actual sighting in Northern Ireland, let alone proof. The mermaid reportedly lingered for a few moments, locking eyes with the diving instructor, who is originally from Germany, before diving back into the depths of the sea, leaving behind a trail of shimmering scales.
Scepticism and Wonder
While some locals remain sceptical, others are convinced that what Hanno saw was indeed a mermaid. The event has sparked a flurry of excitement and curiosity, with people flocking to the coastal village in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the mythical being.
A Boost for Tourism
The mermaid sighting comes at a perfect moment, coinciding with the bustling Easter season, traditionally one of the busiest times for tourism in the Causeway Coast and Glens. The enchanting tale adds a magical allure to the area’s already rich tapestry of attractions, promising to captivate the imagination of visitors and locals alike during this peak period.
Advice from Wildlife Organisations
Although the veracity of the mermaid sighting remains unconfirmed, wildlife experts advise caution and remind visitors to respect the natural habitat of local wildlife, whether mythical or not.
As the story unfolds, the waters of Ballintoy will undoubtedly be watched with renewed interest and wonder. Could this be the beginning of a new chapter in the Causeway Coast’s storied history? Only time will tell.
If you’d like to spend a day out on the water with Freedive Northern Ireland, you can find more information about their freediving and breathwork sessions on our website or visit freedivenorthernireland.com. Who knows, you might even spot a mermaid on your next dive!
