Blue whale calf washes ashore at Carter Road, dies despite rescue efforts

The blue whale calf that had washed ashore near Otters Club at Carter Road in Bandra West on Saturday. Pics/By Special Arrangement

In what is believed to be the first recorded stranding of a blue whale calf at Carter Road, a young whale washed ashore on Saturday. Although the calf was alive when officials and researchers reached the site, it later succumbed to its injuries. A necropsy was conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Rescue alert

According to Shaunak Modi, marine ecologist, director of the Coastal Conservation Foundation and member of Marine Life of Mumbai, information about the whale stranding near Otters Club at Carter Road was received through the Mumbai Stranding Response Network around 9 am.

The Maharashtra Forest Department and the Mangrove Foundation were informed immediately. Researchers from the Coastal Conservation Foundation, coordinating the response under the Mumbai Stranding Response Network, reached the site by 9.40 am. Officers from Bandra police station and the Mumbai Fire Brigade were already present.

Rescue effort

Officials had been alerted by contractors working at the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project site and began efforts to remove the whale with the help of fishers from Chimbai Koliwada. Modi said, "Upon inquiring with people present there, we were informed that the whale calf was first noticed at approximately 7.30 am by staff on duty, who later informed the Mumbai Police and Mumbai Fire Brigade to begin rescue operations. Unfortunately, the whale, which showed external bruising, succumbed before it could be rescued."

Necropsy done

As per legal protocol, the whale was taken into custody by the Maharashtra Forest Department and transported to Versova, where a necropsy was conducted. The carcass was later buried.

About species

The blue whale ('Balaenoptera musculus') is the largest animal known to have ever lived on Earth, growing up to around 30 metres in length and weighing as much as 200 tonnes. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species is found in oceans worldwide, including the Indian Ocean. Despite their massive size, blue whales feed mainly on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill and face threats such as ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and changes in marine ecosystems.