Stranded whale calf found on Cornwall beach probably separated from mother
The whale calf was found in poor nutritional condition with an elevated breathing rate
Last updated 17th Nov 2025
A fin whale calf which was found stranded on a beach in Cornwall has been put down after it was likely separated from its mother.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) received a call to their hotline just after 7:00am this morning (November 17), reporting the presence of a live whale at Mevagissey, Cornwall.
A team of 15 Marine Mammal Medics, including two veterinary professionals, responded to the call and confirmed the animal to be a female fin whale calf measuring approximately 6.2 metres in length.
The calf, was found in poor nutritional condition with an elevated breathing rate.
No adult whales were seen nearby, which suggested the calf had been separated from its mother.
BDMLR say maternal separation makes survival impossible for an animal of this age, as it is entirely dependent on frequent feeding from its mother and cannot survive independently at sea.
In an update issued at 16:25 today BDMLR said: "Following thorough assessment and consultation with the veterinary teams on site, it became clear that the still maternally-dependent whale’s condition was not compatible with survival.
"It was also evident that she had not been feeding well for some time, and that any attempt to refloat back to sea would not have been humane or in the animal’s best interests.
"After carefully considering all options, the difficult but kindest decision was made to euthanise the female calf on welfare grounds.
"This was carried out in a controlled, humane and dignified manner to bring an end to the young whale’s suffering."
"We would like to thank everyone involved in today’s response for their professionalism and compassion throughout this challenging incident, including Pentewan Holiday Park, Pentewan Sailing Club and Three Bays Wildlife Group.
"Also to members of the public for giving our team the respectful space needed to work with the animal."
BDMLR added that the whale calf will now be examined by the relevant authorities who will carry out a "full necropsy" which will "help understand the animal's life history" and "try to establish the cause of stranding."
The BDMLR team and veterinary professionals are on site are conducting welfare assessments and providing first aid and have been carefully considering euthanasia options to stop further suffering.