A whale of a rescue is underway
2006-01-21 17:10
London - Marine wildlife experts have embarked on a risky operation to save a deep-sea whale stranded in the Thames River - the six metre giant is being lifted onto a barge and carried out to the Thames estuary.
The whale was spotted near the Albert Bridge in Chelsea, west London, on Friday.
It is thought the distressed northern bottle-nose whale took a wrong turn and got lost in the centre of the British capital.
Rescuers waited until the animal stranded at ebb tide at midday before making their move.
Despite the unusual attempt, all efforts to save the whale may be in vain.
Alan Knight of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue Group has made it clear the animal might have to be put down by lethal injection.
The whale's lungs and eyes might be damaged by the extended period in fresh water.
The rescue operation itself might pose a threat to the animal.
According to one rescuer, the noise of the boats' motors and propellers could interfere with the whale's sonar and compound its confusion.
- AFP