A RARE whale which was stuck in shallow waters off the coast of Williamstown has been euthanised.

The distressed pygmy sperm whale, was discovered by commercial fishermen near Kororoit Creek 300 moff the coast in the shallows of Hobsons Bay before 3.30pm.

SHOCKING FIND IN DEAD WHALE’S STOMACH

STINKING WHALE IN ‘TOO HARD BASKET’

Rescuers from Parks Victoria, the Marine Response Unit, Victorian Fisheries Authority and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning worked in vain to free the 2.4m creature, before it became unresponsive later this afternoon.

An autopsy will now be conducted to determine the cause of the whale’s unknown injuries.

Parks Victoria operations manager Greg Hitch said the species is not commonly found in the area.

“It’s almost unheard of. They mostly exist in the southwest beaches,” he said.

Mr Hitch said the whale become non-responsive late this afternoon and euthanasia became the only option.

A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesman said earlier that the creature was stressed, and its condition deteriorated rapidly.

“The whale has minor abrasions, but those injuries do not explain the condition the whale is in,” he said.

“The on-site crew has attempted to take the whale into deeper waters, but it was unable to swim unaided and was listing to one side. ”

IS THIS A SHARK OR A DOLPHIN?

Not much is known about pygmy sperm whales, which are rarely spotted at sea, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

The slow swimmers often travel alone of in groups of six or seven animals and are shy around boats.

Calves are born measuring 1.2m long, with females measuring up to 3.8m and weighing 450kg. Males grow up to 2.7m.

Pygmy sperm whales also tend to prefer warmer, deeper waters.

aneeka.simonis@news.com.au