Thousand gather for whale's funeral in Vietnam

Thousands of Vietnamese fishermen gave a royal send-off to a 15-ton dead whale, gathering at a southern Vietnamese village to pay homage at a funeral for the creature they call Your Excellency.

Nearly 10,000 people converged in Bac Lieu province to bid farewell to the 52 foot whale since he was dragged ashore yesterday, said coast guard official Do Tien Ha.

They burned incense in his honour and planned to build a temple at the site of his burial, which was scheduled for today. Nearly 3,000 people were attending the whale's last rites, to be held at the mouth of the Cai Cung River.

In Vietnam's fishing culture, whales are considered sacred. They are referred to by the title "ngai," the same honorific used for kings, emperors and other esteemed leaders.

"Whenever whales arrive, dead or alive, local fishermen believe they bring luck and safety," Mr Ha said by phone from Bac Lieu.

The dead whale was spotted 26 miles off the coast on Sunday, and several dozen fishermen on 10 boats spent a day hauling it ashore, he said.