BackStories » Vietnam » [Video] Locals Help Rescue Massive Whale in Nghe An

[Video] Locals Help Rescue Massive Whale in Nghe An

On Wednesday morning, thousands of residents from Nghe An province's Dien Thinh Commune rushed to the local beach to watch the rescue of a large, stranded whale.

When the 12-meter, 15-ton whale of an undetermined species was found struggling to make its way back into the ocean, more than 20 volunteers arrived at the site with two excavators, drawing the attention of Dien Thinh residents, reports Thanh Nien.

Despite the creature's weak state and the appearance of several wounds on its body, the whale made its way back into the sea with some human assistance.

These marine mammals occupy a special place in the heart of many Vietnamese, especially in southern Vietnam, where fisherman visit whale temples to pray to “Lord Whale” for good luck, according to CNN.

VietnamNet also provides a bit of insight into Vietnamese whale worship: “For fishermen, whale is the sacred fish as it would come to rescue fishermen in danger at sea. Whenever a whale is found hurt and washed ashore, the first man who sees it will have to take care of the fish and even hold a funeral for the fish if it dies.”

[Photo via Song Lam Plus]

Related Articles

in Vietnam

$14 Million Approved For Restoration Of Hanoi’s 112-Year-Old Long Biên Bridge

The fate of one of Vietnam’s most beloved and storied structures took another positive turn last week when the government approved a $14 million restoration package for Long Biên Bridge.

in Vietnam

'Amazing Race Vietnam' Apologizes for Challenge Harming Coral Reef

An underwater challenge during this year’s installment of The Amazing Race Vietnam is not sitting well with environmentalists.

in Vietnam

'Engaging With Vietnam' Conference Ruminates on Heritage in Huế

“Living with Heritage, (Re)Creating Heritage: Vietnam and the World” is the title of the 14th Engaging with Vietnam conference, a series of activities including academic panel discussions, keynote tal...

in Vietnam

10 Beautiful Photos of Sapa's Majestic Snow

Last weekend's snowstorm in Sapa drew photographers from all over northern Vietnam who jumped at the opportunity to capture some great photos of the town's snow-covered hills, roads and residents.&nbs...

in Vietnam

10 Killed, Over 30 Missing in Central and Northern Vietnam as Storm Son-Tinh Brings Flash Floods

Heavy rains from storm Son-Tinh, which eventually weakened to a tropical depression, have caused flash floods and fatalities in central Vietnam.

in Vietnam

104-Year-Old Great-Great Grandmother Fights Off Robber

Taking advantage of the elderly will inevitably result in some bad karma, a lesson a Dong Nai man quickly learned after attempting to rob Vo Thi Bai, a 104-year-old woman.

Partner Content