The Large Fin Pilot whale had been in the area for at least three weeks. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Fisheries Officer, Barry Bowers, of the Liverpool office, said the whale was probably a member of a pod of three or four previously spotted off Port Mouton Island.

He said “a local” called him about noon on Aug. 12 to report he had heard the whale “blowing” the previous night and that it was ashore.

“We had a look at it and it was bleeding around the dorsal fin and tail area where it was thrashing around the rocks. The tide was falling so we made the decision to try to get to deeper water.”

He said they used a DFO vessel and one volunteered by resident Billy Vienneau to tow the whale to deeper water. He added he is “appreciative” of Vienneau’s efforts.

“It was doing pretty good but the ordeal must have been too much for it and it passed away. Unfortunately it was a sad ending.”

They attempted to tow the whale out to sea but their rope broke behind Port Mouton Island.

Bowers said he expects the whale will eventually float to the top and possibly wash ashore. The Region of Queens will be responsible for removing the carcass if it lands on shore. If at sea, Transport Canada will be responsible. They are often towed out to sea.

Bowers is asking members of the public to contact the DFO office in Liverpool or the Region of Queens if the whale is spotted.

A spokesperson for the Marine Animal Rescue Society said the Large Fin Pilot whale population is reasonably healthy.

Bowers said he believes the whale followed mackerel and herring into the harbour before becoming confused. He said it seemed stymied by a sandbar.

A large group of Port Mouton area residents previously attempted to save the whale when it beached itself.