Good news in 'extremely unusual situation' of sperm whale swimming in Waterford Estuary
A sperm whale has been spotted in the Waterford estuary. Stock image
A sperm whale that was spotted in the Waterford Estuary appears to be heading back out to sea.
That is according to the sightings officer at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Pádraig Whooley.
Mr Whooley told the Waterford News and Star that earlier today, they were very concerned about a potential stranding.
But as of this afternoon, reports from Dunmore East and Hook Head suggest the whale is heading in the right direction.
Just not in safer waters yet.
“It’s got about five hurdles before it has a chance of a 'Free Willie' moment,” said Mr Whooley.
While current reports are positive, Mr Whooley said tomorrow will tell.
The IWDG ask that the public maintain a respectful distance as the animal is highly protected and dangerous if stressed.
“One lash of the tale, if it got stressed, could cause a serious injury or even a fatality,” said Mr Whooley.
Those in boats should keep a distance of at least 100 meters, and that includes kayaks.
Ideally, if you want to watch the whale, do so from the shore with binoculars.
Mr Whooley said public reports are really helpful in tracking the whale.
He asked that the public keep an eye on the whale on Wednesday and from a safe distance, take photos and report sightings.
While the whale appears to have turned things around by itself, it may still become stranded.
Mr Whooley said if that happens, a team will need to go out and make sure the animal is as comfortable as possible and not in too much distress.
He said that in the event of a stranding, the whale’s size would prevent the IWDG rescue team from intervening.
But they can assess the animal's condition and make sure it is as comfortable as possible.
Members of the public should keep dogs away from any stranded whale or dolphin.
Mr Whooley said it is “an extremely unusual situation” to see a sperm whale this close to the shore.
He said these animals are deep divers and would expect it to be 1000-2000 meters deep where its food source is located.
“For it to be swimming in two meters of water, that is as close as you can get to a stranding,” said Mr Whooley.
Sperm whales are the largest toothed whale on the planet.
According to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the average male weighs 40 tonnes and is 20 meters in length.
The average female weighs 22 tonnes and is 11m in length.
They have a life expectancy of between 65 and 70 years.
Mr Whooley said there is no way for them to know for sure how the whale ended up in the estuary.
It could be that it is ill, and its ability to navigate might be compromised.
But when the tide came down, the animal seemed to have found its way.
Mr Whooley said they are not sure what direction it will go in next, and so they will continue to monitor the situation.
You can report a sighting to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group through their website or on the mobile reporting app.
