Whale stranded in Dee Estuary may have returned to sea

A team of divers trying to save a whale that became stranded on a beach on the Dee Estuary say they have their "fingers crossed" it has returned open waters.

The 30ft fin whale was discovered at about 09:00 BST on a stretch of the Flintshire coastline.

The sea mammal - the second largest whale in the world - is thought to be only six or seven months old.

Volunteers refloated the whale and it was seen swimming out to sea.

The 30ft fin whale was discovered on Friday morning

The rescuers said initially a team of four or five local volunteers went out with a boat and a vet to the stranded animal.

They said they were extremely concerned for the welfare of the whale as it was "way out" of its usual deep water, and as a calf was probably still reliant on its mother.

Julia Cable, of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue which co-ordinated the rescue, said the animal had been disorientated and spent about 20 minutes alongside the rescue boat.

"When it refloated on the tide it swam out to more open waters," she said.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed - it was heading in the right direction."

The area will be monitored for the next 36 to 48 hours.

Rescuers were extremely concerned for the welfare of the whale

The team has not identified the exact location of the stranding and officials added: "We would kindly ask that people must continue to respect Covid-19 guidelines that are still in force, including the five-mile travel limit in Wales, therefore people should not attempt to visit the area or gather in groups."