Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 9: A whale that washed ashore at Mandrem Beach in Goa was successfully rescued by a team of volunteers on Sunday and released into deeper sea waters, averting a possible tragedy.

The marine mammal was spotted stranded along the Mandrem coastline on Sunday afternoon. On noticing the animal, volunteers from Drishti Lifesaver Group, a water rescue services organisation, immediately launched efforts to save it.

The rescuers carefully approached the whale and worked together to move it back towards the sea. Images and videos of the operation showed volunteers covering the relatively small whale with large pieces of cloth to protect its body while pulling it towards the water.

They also continuously splashed water over the animal to prevent it from drying out and to keep it alive during the rescue operation.

After securing the whale, the team transported it by boat to deeper waters. The rescuers carefully submerged it in the sea before releasing it. A video of the operation showed the marine mammal swimming away after being freed, indicating that the rescue had been successful.

The Drishti Lifesaver Group personnel involved in the operation have received specialised training in handling marine mammals, which helped them carry out the rescue.

The successful operation comes months after a tragic incident involving a 26-foot-long juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore along Mumbai's rocky Bandra coastline.

The whale was initially found alive, prompting authorities to launch an emergency rescue operation. However, despite efforts to save the animal, it eventually died.

The latest incident in Goa has once again highlighted the importance of timely intervention and trained personnel in rescuing marine animals stranded along India's coastline.