The Sagres lifeboat crew helped deal with the carcass of a 12-metre-long whale that was spotted floating in the sea off Baleeira and endangering shipping.
According to the Maritime Authority, the adult whale was spotted by the crew of a fishing vessel which alerted the authorities.
The SR33 Sagres lifeboat was ordered to locate the whale and tow it into port where it was hoisted onto the back of a council lorry.
After the Institute of Conservation of Nature and Forests had been informed that the dead whale had been recovered, it was agreed to transport the animal to the Vila do Bispo municipal landfill.
On May 9th this year, a Minke whale was washed up at Gigi beach in Loulé, Algarve. According to Nídia Nicolau of the Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), "every year, 50 to 60 such mammals are washed up between Odeceixe and Vila Real de Santo António and most have signs of being caught in fishing nets."
Last August a similar sized whale was discovered in the waters off Praia do Tonel, Sagres, and was brought into Baleeira harbour for later disposal on land.
