Giant sperm whale saved from death's door

Fishermen rescued a seven-metre sperm whale off the central Philippine island of Bohol after finding the giant mammal drifting with several bullet wounds, a press report said on Monday.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer said the fishermen towed the 2 000 kilogram whale, which also had lacerations and bruises all over its body, to shallow waters and sought the help of marine biologists and divers.

Local mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, a doctor, said he treated the whale's injuries and that later the mammal was pushed out to sea. It was seen swimming strongly and breaching the surface.

He said the fishermen were later given a reward of 3 000 pesos (about R350) as the region is trying to promote whale-watching as a tourist activity.

He suggested the whale could have been injured by illegal fishermen.

Source: www.iol.co.za