A whale that beached in Falmouth today had to be put down after its injuries proved too severe.
The 13ft long-finned juvenile pilot whale became stranded at Castle Beach around 11am.
Vets and a team from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were soon on site, but despite their best attempts the animal's injuries and the outgoing tide meant it had to be put down.
(ABOVE) A video of the whale on Castle Beach and interview with Dave Jarvis from British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Dave Jarvis, area coordinator with BDMLR said: "The vets have carried out an assessment and it's in very, very bad body condition.
"Basically it's got no muscles, which it needs for swimming."
This lack of muscle mass was "potentially" the reason why the whale beached in the first place, Dave said.
Abrasions could also be seen on the animal, which was surrounded by pools of its own blood.
A team of volunteers worked with the coastguard and BDMLR in an attempt to save the whale.
(ABOVE) The beached whale. Credit: Oliver Aaron
(www.oliveraaron.co.uk)
A human chain was formed to move buckets of water from the sea to keep the animal wet and prevent it from overheating.
Onlooker Matt Vernon, who snorkels for spider crabs in the area, said: "I'm surprised it's that far up the beach.
"It must have been pushed up over the rocks. I snorkel here for spider crabs and this rock shelf does not get that much water cover on it."
Matt was heartened to see a young boy from his village, who he had trouble with in the past, on the beach trying to help save the whale.
"It's certainly changed my opinion of him," he said.
(BELOW) Clare Greenwood took this snap of rescuers attempting to help the whale
Pilot whales often travel in pods, but because the one today was on its own it might have been ill and broke away from the pod to die, the BDMLR said.
They now hope to arrange a post-mortem so the whale's fate can be properly understood.
(BELOW) A screen was put up around the animal before the lethal injection was administered. Credit: Clare Greenwood
To read about the dolphin stranded on Gyllyngvase Beach in October last year, CLICK BELOW:
Dolphin stranded on Falmouth beach this morning - VIDEO
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel