Rescuers save stranded sperm whale in La Paz, Mex., but second whale dies (photos, video)

Sperm whale image courtesy of Claudia Ballínez

By Pete Thomas

Rescue teams spent most of Sunday trying to save two large sperm whales that had become stranded in shallow water in La Paz Bay, in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Unfortunately, rescuers were able to pull only the largest whale, measuring 60 feet, to the safety of deep water. The smaller whale, measuring 50 feet, died during an exhaustive effort that involved government agencies and a regional stranding network.

 

 

Roberto Robles, of the environmental agency Profepa, said the whales were discovered stranded in shallow water in front of Hotel Palmira at about 8 a.m.

Robles stated on Facebook that the whales had become stuck on "a low area” in front of Palmira.

It was not clear whether the mammals stranded intentionally or became stuck as a result of the changing tide. 

Comments

[BajaByBus]

Not a "low area", it was low tide which was the problem. Shame.