Minke whale rescued from Firth of Forth

July 2008. South Queensferry RNLI lifeboat crew were requested to assist in the rescue of a Minke whale shortly after 11.30pm on Monday 28 July. A rescue team, vet and members of the general public were endeavouring to return the whale to the main channel as it was in the shallows close to the pier at Limekilns.

Forth Coastguard requested assistance from the RNLI as visibility was poor and they were concerned about the rescuers who were in the water. The lifeboat was launched to provide assistance and safety cover for the operation.

Once on scene it appeared that the whale was no longer inshore and was currently circling the bay next to the pier. The whale then appeared to make for deeper waters and the rescue operation was put on hold for the night. Rescue personnel returned to the shore and the lifeboat, once stood down, returned to Hawes Pier at 1am.

At this time no further sightings have been reported, so we hope that the whale is safe and well.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.