Join our crew and become one of the 104,796 members that receive our newsletter.

Endangered Beaked Whale Trapped In Athens Riviera

A beaked whale is seen trapped off the shore of the suburb of Alimos, in Athens, Greece, January 28, 2022. REUTERS/Costas Baltas

Endangered Beaked Whale Trapped In Athens Riviera

Reuters
Total Views: 1327
January 29, 2022

THENS,(Reuters) – Rescuers on Friday were trying to free a beaked whale which has surfaced in Greek waters, trapped near a beach on the Athens riviera, officials said.

The coast guard, veterinarians, volunteers and environmental groups were working to record its injuries, diagnose any illness and help free the mammal which has reached a beach near the coastal suburb of Palaio Faliro, floating at a depth of about three meters.

According to Arion, a Greek non-governmental organization that provides first aid for stranded whales and dolphins, the 3.5 meter-long whale first appeared in another coastal area nearby on Thursday. It appeared uninjured at that time and was helped to swim away to open sea.

But it returned, running aground again this morning at Flisvos in Palaio Faliro, with what appeared to be injuries to its beak, said Aimilia Drougas, oceanographer and co-founder of Arion.

Experts were checking if there were reasons that prevented it from swimming off, she said.

Beaked whales, an endangered species, are deep divers, and can reach depths of up to 3,000 meters. They live and reproduce in Greek seas but rarely reach shallow waters.

“It is very rare for this species. It is a very shy animal, that does not approach people and favors great depths,” Drougas said, adding that its injury may be surfacial.

Whales are often struck by ships, as their lanes overlap and the volume of shipping traffic and the speed of vessels has been growing over the past decades. The mammals are often unable to avoid a collision in time and are often disoriented by underwater noise.

Related Article: MSC Re-Routes Ships Near Greece to Protect Sperm Whales

Every year about 10-15 beaked whales get stranded.

Deputy Environment Minister George Amyras, who had reached the scene, said a vet has taken a blood sample from the whale which will be sent to a lab. “The prognosis is not good,” he said.

Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Editing by Louise Heavens

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,796 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,796 members that receive our newsletter.