A SMALL whale has died after becoming stranded at Belhaven Beach on Sunday afternoon.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and the SSPCA were called out shortly before 3.30pm and met with East Lothian Council countryside rangers and members of the Coast 2 Coast Surf School.

An East Lothian Council spokeswoman said: “The East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service was contacted by the SSPCA at approximately 3pm on Sunday, following a report of a live stranded marine mammal at the far tip of Spike Island, Belhaven Bay.

“A strandings plan was put into action, with an immediate inspection followed by a call-out for hands to assist.

“Local surfers, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and local vets attended.

“The mammal, which was later identified as a Sowerby's beaked whale, was found floundering on the edge of the tide and was clearly in a distressed condition.

“Attempts to re-float the whale were constrained by a sizeable swell on the sea, and with the animal deteriorating, the vet’s decision was to euthanise the whale, but the whale died before this was possible.

“We understand that an autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.”

Jenny Scott, Scottish SPCA senior inspector, confirmed they had been called out to help the animal, which measured about nine feet in length.

She said: “We were alerted to a whale on Belhaven Beach yesterday.

“Unfortunately, despite combined efforts with the beach rangers and British Diver Marine Life Rescue, we were unable to save the whale.

“Anyone concerned about the welfare of any animal should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”