Rescuers pull together to save whale
The 4.5-metre, three-tonne pilot whale, which came ashore at Inch beach, Co Kerry, on Saturday, was refloated after a major effort over several hours, watched by 200 people.
Helpers dug a pool and put blankets over the whale to keep it cool. They also poured water over it.
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) co-ordinator Dr Simon Berrow came from Co Clare with a specialised stranding kit and an inflatable whale pontoon.
Local vet Brendan O’Connor examined the whale and could find no evidence of illness.
Dr Berrow said pilot whales are good candidates for refloating if they are on a gently sloping sandy beach such as those found in Dingle Bay.
Rather than waiting for the tide to reach the whale, the rescuers decided to move it into the sea. They rolled tarpaulin under it, securing it with a sling, and attached the tarpaulin to a four-wheel drive. Around 20 people slowly pulled the tarpaulin with the whale on it down the beach.
“It worked remarkably well. Within two slow but controlled pulls, we had the whale in the incoming tide,” said Dr Berrow.
“The pontoons were then attached and filled with compressed air and the whale slowly pulled into the water. The pontoons hold the whale’s weight and give it a chance to re-orientate itself.”
After 20 minutes, the whale became more active and swam off the pontoon and out to sea.
Dr Berrow said: “The IWDG would like to pay tribute to the hundreds of people who put themselves out to help this whale.
“This was a model refloat and a collective success for everyone involved.”
