Beached sperm whale
A sperm whale stuck in shallow water near Covehead Harbour, Prince Edward
Island, Canada is not expected to survive, says a local veterinarian. "This
whale's chances are not good," said Dr. Art Ortenburger, professor of
surgery with the Atlantic Veterinary College.
Ortenburger went out on a boat to assess the condition of the whale, which
is believed to be a mature male between 45 and 50 feet long and weighing
between 25 and 30 tonnes. He said the whale showed signs of being knocked
around recently, perhaps the result of getting caught in a storm or being
struck by a ship, the vet speculated.
The whale appeared to have rope cuts on its side. It was first spotted two
days ago ( June 21) trapped between sandbars near the shore about three
kilometres east of Covehead Harbour. “He may be injured sufficiently that he is looking for a place to rest or a
place to die,’’ said Ortenburger.
He said if the whale dies, the AVC will conduct an autopsy, then the big job
of burying the mammal will follow. Ortenburger warned that while there are
always people eager to do something to help a stranded whale, much of what
might be attempted can't be accomplished or will simply make matters worse.
The public is urged to fight the temptation to boat near the mammal, added
Sheldon Dryan of Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Dryan said the
presence of a nearby boat will only add to the whale's stress. “Stay away and let the mammal try to recoup,’’ he said.
The hope yesterday was that the whale would find the strength to swim into
deeper water with high tide earlier this morning but this has still not
happened.
