The Oceania association, member of the Ocean Guardians Network (RGO), was alerted yesterday afternoon of a dramatic incident involving an injured young whale. The RGO, managed by the French Polynesia Environment Directorate (DIREN), immediately triggered an emergency procedure to rescue the animal.
On site, Olivier Betremieux, veterinarian and member of the RGO, noted the extent of the injuries inflicted on the juvenile whale. The upper part of his jaw had been torn off, making survival impossible. Despite efforts to monitor and stabilize the animal, it died early in the afternoon.
In order to avoid stranding on the coast and to eliminate risks to public health, the whale’s remains were towed offshore. The star of the Nautical Brigade of the Faa’a Gendarmerie, assisted by boats from the National Navy, was mobilized to carry out this delicate operation. At 5 p.m., the body of the whale was drifting approximately two nautical miles off Faa’a Point, heading south-southwest.
Call for caution for maritime users
Faced with this situation, the authorities are calling for great vigilance. Fishermen, boaters and other nautical users are invited to avoid the Faa’a and Punaauia area in the coming days, due to the increased risk of the presence of predators attracted by the remains of the cetacean. The JRCC (Sea Rescue Coordination Center) has also issued an urgent advisory to shipping, warning of the potential dangers posed by the animal’s semi-submerged body, which could pose an obstacle to vessels.
Anyone able to provide information on the location of the remains is asked to contact the DIREN RGO at 89.57.14.30. In the event of immediate danger to navigation, the JRCC can be reached via VHF channel 16 or at 40.54.16.16.
A complaint could be filed
This incident highlights the dangers to which whales are exposed, in particular due to human activities at sea, the whale having probably been struck by a boat. He recalls the crucial importance of strengthening cetacean protection measures, particularly during the migration season, and of raising awareness among ship captains of good practices to adopt.
“This nightmare must not happen again. We are in the middle of whale season here in Tahiti” said Agnès Benet, founder of Mata Tohora. Lamya Essemlali, founder and president of Sea Shepherd France, spoke out on her social networks following the tragedy: “A nightmare come true. (…) The violence of the impact implies that the boat which hit her was necessarily at high speed, in an area very frequented by whales. An absolute shame. We are studying the possibility of filing a complaint to obtain the opening of an investigation and identify the vessel responsible”.
To pay tribute to this majestic being, a ceremony was organized by the Faafaite and Rohotu Noanoa associations. This initiative aims to highlight the need to preserve these emblematic creatures, true symbols of ocean biodiversity.
While the DIREN and the Gendarmerie Nautical Brigade are planning new reconnaissance this Wednesday to assess the situation, the emotion aroused by this loss reminds everyone of our collective responsibility towards the preservation of the oceans.
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