Whale dies near Portobello Beach despite rescue team's efforts to save it

An injured whale has died near one of Edinburgh’s beaches despite attempts to rescue 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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The body has been sent off for post-mortem in an attempt to understand the circumstances surrounding the mammal’s death.

Large sea mammal washed up at the foot of Brunstane Burn picture: suppliedLarge sea mammal washed up at the foot of Brunstane Burn picture: supplied
Large sea mammal washed up at the foot of Brunstane Burn picture: supplied

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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“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.”

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