Beluga whale which strayed into France's Seine river euthanised despite rescue efforts

Veterinarians take care of a beluga whale that was stranded in the River Seine at Notre Dame de la-Garenne, northern France, on August 9, 2022. © AFP (Archive)

A beluga whale which transfixed France after straying into the river Seine has been euthanised after its already ailing condition deteriorated during an unprecedented rescue mission to save it, local authorities said Wednesday.

"Despite an unprecedented rescue operation for the beluga, we are sad to announce the death of the cetacean," the prefect of the Calvados department said on Twitter.