Whale spotted off Bournemouth beach (From Bournemouth Echo)

Whale spotted off Bournemouth beach

7:46am Wednesday 16th September 2009 in

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CONSERVATIONISTS are urging people not to approach a whale that has been spotted off the Bournemouth coast.

The nine-metre long northern bottlenose has been seen swimming between Bournemouth Pier and Branksome feeding over the last four days.

Nicknamed Gilbert after an RNLI lifeguard who took the first picture, the creature was first spotted in Poole Bay four days ago, although the mammals are usually found anywhere north of the northern islands of Scotland.

Chris Saunders, seafront business development manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “It is extremely unusual for a northern bottlenose whale to be seen so close to shore.

“It has obviously taken a wrong turn and we hope that it will soon return to its usual migration path.

“In the meantime our seafront ranger team is working with the Durlston Marine Camp, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Borough of Poole to monitor its behaviour.”

Jenny O’Connor, Borough of Poole beach warden and senior rescuer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: “It is possible that Gilbert could be unwell and we will be keeping a close eye on his health over the next few days.

“Under absolutely no circumstance should boats or people approach him. This could cause him unnecessary stress and adversely affect his welfare.

“It is against the law to chase or go too close to the whale with any form of watercraft.”

The whale has been seen this morning off Durley Chine swimming towards the pier.

A five-metre northern bottlenose whale, nicknamed Wally, became stranded in the River Thames in January 2006, but died after a massive rescue attempt to save its life.

In the last week a 28ft humpback whale was found dead in the Thames.

The mammal was first spotted in the water on Thursday, but was not seen again until it was found dead on Saturday morning near Dartford Bridge.

Experts believe the creature may have died of starvation.

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