Rescue operation underway for injured whale found on Athens beach

Rescuers take care of an injured whale stranded in the shallow water at Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

ATHENS, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- A rescue operation was underway on Friday for a young whale found stranded on Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens.

Vets supported by the Coast Guard and divers were offering aid to the injured whale, which was in a serious condition, according to the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Based on the results of initial tests, the Cuvier's beaked whale is suffering from dehydration, leukopenia and anemia. Medication has been administered, and the mammal is being closely monitored, according to the ministry.

It is not yet clear how the whale ended up on the beach. When it was first spotted on Thursday, it was stranded in shallow waters in a small bay. Spyros Chrysanthopoulos, President of the Hellenic Rescue Team of Attica, was alerted to the whale's presence by the Coast Guard.

"Three members of our team went there and together with other divers we helped, guiding it out to the open sea. We were successful. It was in better condition than today," he told Xinhua Friday.

However, on Friday the whale reappeared on Alimos beach, and Chrysanthopoulos was again called in to assist by the Coast Guard.

"Today its condition is more serious," he said. "It has been injured on its jaw, back and forehead. Specialized biologists ... are by its side and we are also here to help save it."

Cuvier's beaked whales inhabit very deep seas. They are often observed off Crete island in southern Greece, and off Lefkada island in western Greece. ■

Rescuers take care of an injured whale stranded in the shallow water at Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Rescuers take care of an injured whale stranded in the shallow water at Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Rescuers take care of an injured whale stranded in the shallow water at Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Rescuers take care of an injured whale stranded in the shallow water at Alimos beach, a southern suburb of Athens, Greece, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)