On Saturday, December 15th a dead sperm whale stranded at the Razende Globe sand-bank, near the Dutch island Initially it was thought that the animal was too battered and would possibly sink if it was dragged from the sandbank, but after investigation it was considered safe to drag it to Texel on Wednesday, December 19th.
Crane operator Dave Schreuders and his manager Ap Koopmans travelled from the BKF location in Heerhugowaard to Texel with a 130t telescopic crane to hoist the whale which weighed around 28t.
Although the animal was dead it was hoisted out of the water with the required respect, patience and skill. It was put on the quay of the port near the institute Naturalis Biodiversity Center where it will be examined to determine the cause of its death.