Whale spotted in central London [View All]

[Surya Gayatri]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4631396.stm


"A seven-tonne whale has made its way up the Thames to central London, where it is being watched by riverside crowds.


The 16-18ft (5m) northern bottle-nosed whale, which is usually found in deep sea waters, has been seen as far upstream as Chelsea.

A rescue boat has been sent to protect the whale and rescuers have been trying to keep it away from the river banks.

Specialist equipment, including inflatable tubes to re-direct the animal downstream, are being sent.

The whale has come within yards of the banks and has crashed into an empty boat causing slight bleeding.

Vets are remaining on standby and experts have said it does not appear to be ill, but are concerned it will get weaker and may become beached."

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Such whale and dolphin beachings are becoming more & more common--is it due to sonar interference w/ their echo navigation systems or marine pollution which messes up their instincts? No-one knows for the moment. SAVE THE WHALES!! SG