A 40-FOOT whale is still trapped at Baltimore harbour in West Cork.

Pádraig Whooley of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group said that they had ”no expectations” that the whale would have moved during today’s high tide.

Once these animals get into these situations, they almost always die.

The fin whale “looks likes it is in the final throes”, added Whooley, who ventured the whale may die overnight. Huge crowds have been gathering to watch the whale at the harbour today.

Moorings

Earlier today, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s Simon Berrow told TheJournal.ie that an expert and active member of the organisation was trying to purge the creature away from the moorings.

From initial descriptions, Berrow said the whale is probably young as it is “quite small”.

Although he could not predict the outcome, he explained that previously beached whales have been sick and emaciated and have often died.

Michael Cottrell who has been leading today’s operation is trying to keep people away from the whale to ensure it doesn’t become more distressed or disturbed. It is understood that the whale was bleeding from its side.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service has been informed about the ongoing situation.

Credit: Stuart Musgrave

Image: Stu Musgrave

Pic from Shauna Kiely.

Image: Stuart Musgrave

Additional reporting Aoife Barry

In photos: dead whale found in Australian pool>