Home / Environment / Town Rallies to Save Beached Whales
Town Rallies to Save Beached Whales
28 Oct
Summary
- Dozens of residents worked for hours to rescue beached whales.
- The mayor used an excavator to dig a large trough for the whales.
- One whale survived and swam away, while the other perished.
Residents of Point May, Newfoundland, demonstrated extraordinary community effort on Sunday, working for hours to rescue two whales stranded ashore. The rescue operation, which began around high tide, involved dozens of helpers, including some from neighboring communities, who used hoses and shovels.
Mayor Darren Harris took a leading role, utilizing an excavator to dig a 40-foot trough, approximately seven feet deep, to help tow the distressed animals back towards the water. Despite consulting with Fisheries and Oceans Canada officials, who did not directly participate, the community persisted.
While the collective efforts allowed one whale to successfully swim out of sight, the other struggled and unfortunately perished after being returned to the water. Nevertheless, the town's residents are proud of their actions, having given one whale a second chance at life and earning the moniker 'heroes' for their small community.
