Beached Whale Resists Rescue Attempt

SCOTLAND - A 20 ft Pilot whale which became stranded in North Uist met a tragic end over the weekend, despite residents doing their best to save it.

Discovered on Friday morning on Berneray, the whale was cared for by a number of residents who dried to keep the mammal hydrated as rescuers scrambled to launch a rescue plan.

Stornoway, Benbecula and Griminish Coastguard and representatives of the Scottish SPCA all attended and managed to re-float the animal which moved out to sea.

But the initial success was thwarted when the whale was discovered the next morning not far from the initial beach site. Unfortunately it was already dead.

The Coastguard thanked all those who helped the rescue effort and reminded people to alert their local coastguard station or SPCA officer if they discovered a beach animal.