North Berwick: bid to remove dead whale from beach ends in failure

The minke whale was spotted yesterday by staff at the Scottish Seabird Centre floating in the water at high tide, before coming ashore on rocks near the harbour.

This morning it came ashore on the town's West Beach, resulting in a recovery effort that was launched by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) in tandem with East Lothian's Countryside Rangers.

READ MORE: North Berwick: Dead minke whale spotted near harbour

At about 2pm this afternoon, a lorry reversed down the RNLI slipway to access the beach and attempts were made, using machinery, to get the animal onto the vehicle. 

However, it was too large and a new vehicle was required.

The whale was then moved above the tide line, and will stay there until tomorrow morning when another uplift attempt will take place.

The whale was previously identified as a female minke whale and about 9.5m in length with no obvious signs of cause of death.

BDMLR were unable to confirm the cause of death at this time but have speculated that it was old age.

Samples were taken to confirm this.

Corinne Gordon, advanced marine mammal medic for BDMLR, attended to take part in the uplift of the whale on behalf of Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS)

She said: "On behalf of SMASS I attended to take measurements and samples to determine cause of death.

"There was no entanglement or evidence of a propeller or boat strike. 

"It is possible it died of natural causes. 

"The whale will be uplifted to landfill. 

"We urge the public if they find a deceased cetacean on the beach to call Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme,  try and take a photo and what3words for exact location.

"Please do not go near the animal as they carry harmful bacteria. 

"On behalf of SMASS I would like to thank the public for their understanding and keeping the area clear, thanks also to East Lothian countryside rangers,  RNLI, North Berwick Harbour Trust and Police Scotland for all their assistance. 

"It is extremely sad to see a magnificent animal such as this on the beach."

Council officials have urged the public not to approach the animal and to keep dogs on their lead if walking in the area.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We were first aware of a dead whale sighted off North Berwick yesterday afternoon and following the tide pattern overnight it has now washed up onto the West Beach.

"We are also advising members of the public to keep a suitable distance away from the whale including keeping dogs on leads and not allowed near the whale.”