Beached 12-foot whale dies in St George's Harbour, Bermuda

By Jonathan Bell

May 31, 2012

An injured whale has died despite a battle to return it to the water after it beached at the East End earlier today.

Its carcas is now being examined along the shores of St George’s Harbour, according to Bermuda Maritime Operations.

The 12-foot mammal was reported to have beached at 11.35am by the crew of a passing yacht, a spokesman said.

The 12-foot whale being examined in St George’s Harbour.
(Photo Glenn Tucker)

“They reported a live whale stranded on a small beach near the boatyard at St George’s Cricket Club,” the spokesman said. “They tried to get as many hands as possible to get it back into the water.”

Staff from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo came to assist, and the Department of Fisheries was also notified, the spokesman added.

“They managed to get it back into the water, but shortly afterward they reported that the whale had died.”

The animal had “extensive lacerations” to its back.

Aquarium curator Ian Walker is currently examining the animal, and …. continue …

royalgazette.com

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