A time-critical rescue operation is underway to help a whale that has become stranded on the beach between Brook and Brighstone.
The protected mammal, a Pilot Whale around 10ft in length, was discovered by dog walkers at first light this morning (Saturday).
British Divers Marine Life Rescue have been made aware with volunteers deployed to the remote stretch of West Wight coastline.
Prior to their arrival locals have been attempting to keep the whale alive using buckets of sea water.
HM Coastguard has also been alerted with Coastguard Rescue Officers from Needles Coastguard Rescue Team on scene.
It is thought to be the first whale to come ashore on the Island’s coastline in more than 15 years, albeit considerably smaller than previous instances. Dolphins and seals are regular finds on the shore.
Historically, the stretch of coastline running between Freshwater and St Catherine’s Point has been a common spot for whales to come ashore with the mammals often becoming attractions for curious Victorians.
A small crowd has gathered at Brook this morning as news spreads of the whale’s predicament.
UPDATE @ 09:45 – Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team has arrived at the West Wight beauty spot, with Freshwater Independent Lifeboat also launched to assist with the operation.
Coastguard Rescue Officers – accompanied by the BDMLR volunteers 1 have managed to float the mammal out to deeper water. However, the situation looks bleak.
A specialist vet has been called for, with the current thinking that the whale will need to be put to sleep.
It appears to have lost its balance and therefore rolls over onto its side if let go.
Thoughts will now be turning to how exactly the Isle of Wight Council – as the responsible local authority – will recover the near 2-tonne mammal from the beach, should the decision be taken to put it to sleep.
UPDATE @ 14:30 – After careful consideration, the whale has been put to sleep.
Natasha Dix, the Isle of Wight Council’s service director for waste, environment and planning, said:
“The council’s waste service is arranging a specialist collection of the whale, via a pet and equine crematorium.
“It will be taken to a licenced storage facility in the meantime.
“We are discussion with the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Group on the mainland, who wish to collect the whale early next week to autopsy.”
