PA Regional Newswire
CLEVELAND, England — A 30ft whale that beached at Cleveland has died, would-be rescuers said.
Firefighters used their jet to spray the mammal which was reported alive but partially submerged on the beach at Redcar.
A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman said the whale died despite efforts to save it. A cordon had been set up around the stricken whale to stop people getting too close and causing it stress.
Earlier, Cleveland Police said a member of the public reported finding the whale and the force contacted experts to help rescue it. But firefighters later confirmed it had died.
Cleveland Police said it was a 30-40ft sperm whale. A spokeswoman said: “Police contacted the Coastguard, the Local Authority, the Fire Brigade, RSPCA and specialist marine animal welfare agencies.
“Arrangements for its disposal will be made by Local Authority Environmental Health Officers and members of the public are asked to stay away from that area of the beach until this is complete.” But hundreds of onlookers turned out during half-term to take in the spectacle.
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