Humpback whale spotted swimming in Den Helder naval base

A humpback whale has been spotted swimming in the waters of the naval station in Den Helder, marine group SOS Dolfijn said on Monday.

The whale appears to be healthy and is exhibiting normal behaviour, the organisation said. The naval base is closed to the public and the authorities have been warned to keep clear.

Humpback whales are not uncommon in Dutch waters and have been spotted several times since 2003. ‘They usually swim back to sea without any problems,’ a spokeswoman for marine life centre Ecomare said.

In 2012, a humpback whale beached off the Wadden island of Texel and died, despite the efforts of rescuers.

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