The Isle of Wight Council has asked the public to stay away from the carcass of a pilot whale which died after becoming stranded on the beach at Brook this morning (Saturday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, a member of the public first raised the alarm at around 06:30 having come across the 10ft pilot whale whilst walking their dog.
Those present immediately requested the assistance of British Divers Marine Life Rescue and HM Coastguard. Before they arrived, locals attempted to keep the whale alive using buckets of sea water.
Coastguard Rescue Officers from Needles and Ventnor – along with an experienced member of the public – entered the water to try and carry the whale out to deeper water, but the mammal had been injured and was just rolling over and drifting back to shore.
A specialist vet was called for, but ultimately the decision was made to put the animal to sleep.
The Isle of Wight Council (IWC) had made plans to come and retrieve the carcass this afternoon, however the high-tide hampered their efforts and so they were forced to abandon the operation.
With the deceased whale to remain in situ overnight and until the morning, the IWC has asked members of the public to keep well clear.
An Isle of Wight Council Spokesperson has said:
“Due to complications around the high tide, the Isle of Wight Council’s recovery team have been unable to recover the body of the pilot whale that was discovered on a West Wight beach earlier today. Recovery will be reattempted at low tide tomorrow morning.“At this time, we ask all members of the public to stay well away from the area, in the interest of health and safety.”
Council TELLS ha who do they think they are
now if the ask that’s fine
but tells. I don’t think so.