A 15 metre, 30 ton fin whale has stranded in Vejle fjord on the East coast of Jylland in Denmark. It is stuck some 20 metres out from the beach and still half covered by water.

Yesterday night people waded out to touch it. The police have since then tried to stop people from going close. “We want to make clear that it can be very dangerous to approach the whale” says Jesper Duus, police at the South-East Jylland district on Thursday. “…and in respect of the whale it should be left in peace” he adds.

It is often difficult to find out why a whale has stranded. Whatever the reason, this fin whale’s status is now urgent. Fire fighters have kept it wet through spraying water on it, not to make it overheated. It is still alive but seems weak; only moving its fluke a bit every now and then.

The authorities have today decided to let the whale die, as all attempts to release it have failed. It will probably make its way to the whale heaven sometime tonight.

Photo: Scanpix

Sources: 
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