Rescue team continue efforts to save stranded whale in eastern Athens

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - Rescue teams continued efforts to save a stranded whale off the coast of Paleo Faliro district in eastern Athens, media reports said Friday.

The team of scientists, divers and two specialized veterinarians from the Hellenic Center for the Rescue and Care of Marine Mammals have been fighting for more than 24 hours to provide the injured animal with first aid under the guidance of a senior veterinary expert from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, according to public broadcaster ERT.

The whale has a severe wound on its muzzle and superficial wounds on its skin, veterinarian Pantelis Sarris told ERT after examining the mammal.

Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Georgios Amyras who visited the scene, noted that the whale seemed very weak and added the rescue team is doing its very best to keep it alive.

ERT, however, said that hopes of rescuing the stranded whale are diminishing.