Poco the Beluga Whale came to visit Chebeague Island January 24, 2004. He was quite a hit and entertained us by the Stone Pier. Poco pushed Leon Hamilton around in his punt using his head on the outboard engine. It was really quite amazing to this beautiful creature interact with people. Poco was seen frequently up and down the coast of Maine. Polly Wentworth and I were engaged at the time and Polly shot the video with her little digital camera.
Poco was first spotted in the Bay of Fundy during the Fall of 2003 off the town of Pocologan, and in U.S. waters during March of 2004, off Gloucester. Since that time, nearly 150 sightings were reported, as Poco ranged from the islands of Boston Harbor to the mid-coast of Maine. The beluga whale trailed and rubbed against boats, divers, and swimmers. He was last sighted on October 30, in Saco Bay.
Poco died later that year in November and was found in a marshy mudflat near South Portland. Poco was brought to Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution for examination to determine Poco's cause of death, which appeared to be from natural causes.
28 авг 2024
