25/07/2006

Whale stranded in Larne Harbour

A rescue operation is underway in County Antrim to save a minke whale which has become stranded on the coastline.

The whale was spotted at around 7am yesterday stranded in shallow water close to Larne Harbour.

Staff from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have been at the scene trying to encourage the animal into deeper water.

It is believed that the current heatwave may have attracted the mammal into the area, and boats are being asked to keep away from the area to prevent the animal from becoming more disorientated and frightened.

Minke whales can grow up to 10 metres in length and can weigh close to 10 tonnes.

(EF)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 March 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Calls For Update On A5 Upgrade Progress The SDLP have called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to provide and update on work to progress the A5 upgrade. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after meeting with the Enough is Enough campaign at Stormont on Tuesday. Campaigners also met with the Infrastructure Minister.
16 April 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
26 March 2024
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
02 February 2024
Appeal For Witnesses Following West Belfast Collision
Police officers investigating a two-vehicle road traffic collision in west Belfast have issued an appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage On 10 January officers received a report of a collision involving a car and motorcycle at approximately 5.30pm at the junction of Divis Street and Westlink on-slip, in the city-bound lanes.
01 February 2024
Men Sentenced For Ballymena Drug And Money Laundering Operation
Three men were sentenced for offences linked to a drugs and money laundering operation in the Ballymena area yesterday, 31 January. At Antrim Crown Court, Troy Carley (27), Neil Lowry (30) and Marc Mitchell (32) were sentenced for a number of offences.