Rescue operation to save sperm whale tangled in rope in sea loch
A rescue operation is under way to help a sperm whale believed to be tangled in rope in a loch.
Coastguards were called to Loch Eriboll, near Durness in Sutherland, by the Scottish SPCA at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.
The 30ft-long mammal is believed to be trapped in the sea loch and a British Divers Marine Life Rescue Team is en route with a disentanglement kit.
We are working closely with the Scottish SPCA and HM Coastguard to monitor and assess the sperm whale in Loch Eriboll. We have specialist disentanglement equipment ready to use should it be confirmed that the whale is in some way caught in lines preventing it leaving the loch.
— BDMLR (@BDMLR) January 3, 2019
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said the sperm whale is still swimming and urged the public to keep a safe distance.
Durness, Melness and Kinlochbervie coastguard rescue teams along with Scottish SPCA officers have been monitoring the whale.
Sperm whales are one of the world’s deepest diving mammals, with mature males averaging around 50ft long.
