Crew rescues whale, calf at Puerto Plata beach

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.- A female dwarf sperm whale and her calf were rescued Wednesday afternoon after being stranded at Playa Cofresi, some three kilometers west of the city.

The mother of around 4.5 meters long, and its calf, of 2.5 meters were trapped at the shore during low tide, which led to the immediate response by an Environment Ministry crew, which along with a team of biologists and veterinarians from Ocean World Aquarium drew blood from the animals for testing, an were administered medication.

Staff from Puerto Plata’s Province Environment Office and professional divers later helped the marine mammals reach open waters.

Provincial Environment Office director Carlos Finke told listin.com.do that the carcass of a young manatee was found in Playa Dorada last week, which apparently collided with a boat.