A wounded melon-headed whale was rescued and later released back into open waters off Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station Hinigaran responded on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after receiving a report of an injured marine mammal spotted in the waters off Brgy. 2.
Personnel of the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Negros Island Region, Hinigaran municipal government and Bantay Dagat assisted in retrieving and assessing the whale.
The marine mammal was monitored before authorities determined that it could be returned to the sea.
It was later released approximately 1.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Sitio Tugbongan in Brgy. 2.
The Coast Guard did not immediately provide details on the nature or possible cause of the whale’s injuries.
Authorities said the operation was coordinated with partner agencies involved in marine wildlife protection and coastal conservation.*
[sibwp_form id=1]