15-meter-long young beached whale dies on Ashkelon beach
The cause of death remains unknown; marine biologists believe one fin might have been injured.
By The Associated Press and Zafrir Rinat Tags: AshkelonA 15-meter-long young whale was found Sunday morning washed up in a port near Ashkelon has died.
An Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center (IMMRAC) crew rushed to the site, but were unable to save the calf, which sustained injuries as it came into the port.
After struggling and thrashing for half an hour, it finally sank below the water's surface.
Ashkelon police, divers and distraught veterinarians stood helpless along the shore, unable to get the whale to deeper water. Television footage showed air bubbles on the water's surface slowly fading away.
The cause of death remains unknown. Marine biologists think one of the whale's fins might have been injured, and then, seeking shelter in shallow water, the animal became lost in the port. Part of its tail was missing.
IMMRAC Chairman Aviad Sheinin said that "obviously it's a very sad situation for us. Fin whales don't come very often to Israel."
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
