Three-ton whale rescued from being stranded on shore in central Vietnam
Monday, October 18, 2021, 17:15 GMT+7
People in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien-Hue have successfully rescued a large whale that was stranded after being washed up on the shore by strong waves.
The mammal, around 10 meters long and three metric tons in weight, was found stranded on the beach in Phu Loc District at around 5:00 am on Monday.
It was exhausted at that time with many injuries on its body.
Local residents, with the support of soldiers, tried to push the whale to the sea, but they faced a lot of difficulties due to powerful waves that pushed it back again after each try.
They were eventually successful in returning the whale to the sea at 10:00 am the same day.
However, people were worried that big waves may push the injured animal ashore again.
In recent days, the coast of Thua Thien-Hue has seen heavy rains, high tides, and rough seas, which might be the cause of the whale being washed up on the shore, local said.
To Vietnamese fishermen, especially those living along the central and southern coasts, whales are considered divine creatures and worshipped as Ca Ong or ‘Lord Whale,’ who look after and protect them and their boats while they are at sea.
When whale remains are found ashore, they are laid to rest in solemnly burial ceremonies.
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