Rescue under way for stranded whale off Lantau waters in Hong Kong

Hong Kong conservation authorities have activated a contingency plan to rescue a stranded whale in Lantau waters, urging the public and vessels to avoid getting close to the mammal.

The whale is five to six metres long with wounds on its body, according to a preliminary assessment by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The department said it had received a report from the police on Saturday afternoon that a whale had been stranded in the water of Yi O on Lantau Island.

The department staff and the conservationists from the Ocean Park then found the mammal in the evening.

“The department immediately activated a contingency plan designed for non-local dolphins and whales, and conducted a joint inspection in adjacent waters,” the department said on Saturday evening.

“Authorities are currently assessing the whale’s conditions and adopting appropriate rescue measures with conservation experts.”

It appealed to the public and vessels not to get close to the whale to avoid causing dangers to it.