A rare whale was discovered stranded on a beach in the UK and unfortunately passed away despite the efforts of courageous rescuers who tried to save it. The whale, identified as a female under 12 months old, was found on Llangennith Beach in Swansea on September 1. Local residents made a valiant attempt to rescue the whale, but due to the receding tide and the inability to move the animal, it died before the arrival of the Coastguard and Marine Life Rescue teams.
Mark Button, a volunteer with the Coastguard, expressed surprise at the sighting of a long-finned pilot whale in the area, as dolphins and basking sharks are more commonly seen in the region. The incident was unprecedented for him, according to reports from Wales Online.
Despite the rescue efforts of the locals, including Adi Armoni who was among those trying to save the whale, the animal passed away in their care. The group’s attempts to keep the whale alive were hindered by the receding tide, making it impossible to move the heavy creature to safety.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) has retrieved the whale for a post-mortem examination. Long-finned pilot whales, typically found in the North Atlantic Ocean, can reach lengths between 6m and 7.6m, with a maximum weight of 4,500kg.
A BDMLR spokesperson confirmed that the whale stranding was reported at Rhossili and despite public efforts to return the whale to the sea, it tragically did not survive. The carcass will undergo examination following the incident.
If you encounter a stranded marine creature, it is advised to contact the cetacean rescue team at 01825 765546 for assistance.