Photo: InstagramWhale rescue charity Project Jonah has criticised the actions of former All Blacks and Crusaders lock Ali Williams while rescuing a beached whale over the Easter break. In a statement posted online, the charity said the techniques used risked "significant damage" to the whale and put the rescuers themselves in danger. At one point the whale gets the better of Williams, slapping the rangy lock with its tail and knocking him into the surf. Helped by the surf lifesavers, the group then manhandle the whale through the small breakers and back out to sea. Whale rescue charity Project Jonah earlier shared news of the rescue on their Facebook page, saying they had offered advice to the lifeguards on how to refloat the whale, identifying it as a false killer whale measuring 4-5 metres.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 06, 2021 00:00 UTC