Yesterday's Wildlife Watch blog focussed on the baby Minke whale that got trapped within Leverburgh harbour basin, in South Harris. A major rescue operation was launched yesterday, co-ordinated by Sandy Macdonald of the Outer Hebrides Branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and involved boats, kayakers, surfboarders, swimmers and even children, who helped by making splashing noises to prevent the calf from beaching itself. Numerous attempts to guide the young creature through the breakwater channel proved unsuccessful but eventually, during the course of the afternoon, a combination of surfboaders and swimmers managed to coax the animal out of the harbour. Despite, initially, taking a wrong turning and heading inwards towards a pier, it eventually made its way into the open waters of the Sound of Harris. It will not be out of danger, however, until it is reunited with its mother, as it will still be dependent on her for another few months. We anxiously await further news on this reunion and will update this blog as soon as we hear anything. |