During this time, Gosse stated that the herd of unknown animals continued to steadily follow the ship as it made its way under the stars. Amazed by what he was seeing, the naturalist watched as the large creatures raised their heads from below the surface and dove back down exposing large backs and small dorsal fins. Some would spin through the water and even others would swim on their backs entirely, thus exposing a pure white belly that shown brightly beneath the moonlight.