Whale dies near Portobello Beach despite rescue team's efforts to save it
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The sad discovery of the wounded animal was made on Tuesday afternoon at the foot of Brunstane Burn, between Portobello and Musselburgh beaches.
A group of volunteers and a member of animal charity SSPCA made attempts to rescue it, but sadly the whale – identified as a Sowerby’s beaked whale – died shortly after midday.
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Hide AdThe body has been sent off for post-mortem in an attempt to understand the circumstances surrounding the mammal’s death.
Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer, Melissa Maitland, said: “We were alerted to the distressed Sowerby's beaked whale at around 12.30pm on Tuesday 13 October.
“I assisted a group of volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who were trying to help the stricken animal.
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the whale sadly passed away.
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Hide Ad“There are lots of reasons whales and other marine mammals sometimes beach themselves such as changing tide or losing their way. The body will be taken for post-mortem by the National Museum of Scotland to try to ascertain why this happened.
“If anyone comes across a sick, injured or distressed animal they should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”