Over 200 people turned out last night to watch rescue workers attempt to refloat a 15ft sperm whale calf which beached itself on rocks near Spanish Point in Co Clare. However, the whale managed to refloat itself as rescue crews arrived, writes Pat Flynn in Spanish Point.
It is still feared that the calf, which is said to be "thousands of miles off course," could be discovered stranded again over the coming days. The calf was first spotted by walkers on the rocks near the car park at the popular West Clare resort at 4.30 p.m. yesterday.
According to Dr Simon Berrow, chairperson of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, "the calf is a long way from the warm tropics it should be frequenting at this time of year, it is thousands of miles off course and the prognosis is not good. The calf is most likely going to turn up again on a beach further down the coast. It may be too late next time."
The Irish Coast Guard unit based at Doolin was also scrambled to assist in the rescue operation. However, before rescue crews arrived the three-quarter tonne mammal had begun to refloat itself on the evening high tide. Sea conditions were extremely rough at the time. It was also reported last night that a second larger whale was seen in the area which according to Dr Berrow probably means that "mother and calf were travelling together."
