Stranded sperm whale in Sultan Kudarat dies despite rescue bid
COTABATO CITY (Updated 11:52 a.m.) — A sperm whale found disoriented near the shoreline of a beachfront village in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat has died hours after rescuers attempted to return it to deeper waters, local officials said Monday, March 23.
Municipal officials and personnel of the Kalamansig Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRE) said the whale died about 10 hours after it was first found in shallow waters off the Poral area on Saturday, March 21.
Authorities said the animal succumbed to exhaustion while responders were trying to guide it back into the sea.
Rescue attempt
An inter-agency team composed of local officials, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel and members of the Philippine Coast Guard had earlier worked to move the whale away from the shoreline after residents reported it struggling.
Environment personnel and barangay officials initially confirmed that the whale had been brought to a safer area, where it was monitored by community volunteers and members of the Bantay Dagat team, according to radio reports Sunday.
The whale measured about 54 feet long and weighed at least 10 tons, with a midsection circumference of more than 30 feet, according to local officials.
The Kalamansig local government said the carcass would be disposed of at sea.
Residents draw flak
Some residents in Poral drew criticism from environmental advocates and local officials after videos showed people approaching and riding the whale while it was stranded.
Authorities said onlookers dispersed when police, fire personnel and Coast Guard responders arrived.
Local officials and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 12 said they will conduct an information campaign to educate coastal communities on how to respond to stranded marine wildlife.
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