2009-01-16

Fin Whale Dies On Irish Beach

The Irish Times reports that a 20m (65ft) long fin whale died yesterday on a west Cork beach despite a major rescue effort after it became trapped on a sandbank.

The whale was pronounced dead by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) at about 11.30am.

Hundreds of people descended on the west Cork beach yesterday morning to lend a hand to the rescue operation. They were still arriving in their droves over the course of the afternoon to see the massive mammal.