Monday 24 September 2007

Injured whale trapped off Breasclete

A 40-feet northern bottled-nose whale is stuck in a sealoch off the west side of Lewis, near the villages of Breascleit and Callanish. The 7 tonne creature is badly injured, as blood was spotted coming from near its dorsal fin. It had been hoped that it would have been able to find its way out to sea on the tide, around midday, but only managed to cover a few miles before the incoming tide drove it back into shallower waters off Great Bernera, to the west.

People are advised to stay away from the whale if it runs aground, as the injuries pose a health hazard to humans.


3 comments:

  1. I've seen a few stories about whales colliding and being injured by cruise ships.  One washed up on the beach and died just recently on the west coast.  You'd think that the whales sonar would warn them of impending danger.  What's going on with our whales?    Linda in Washington state

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  2. Linda...good call...and if it was a ship...what about IT'S sonar?  Am wondering if Whale has got caught up in fishing nets, as I believe they do.

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  3. Hello...I have to say that this is terrible news. I hate to read this. I wish animal rescuers could rescue this whale and take care of it. I hope the whale is okay. Please do keep us posted. Thanks for sharing this.

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