Rescuers battle for hours in futile attempt to save 16-ton whale shark

The nine-metre fish was discovered by Ecuadorian fishermen on a beach

Rescuers unsuccessfully battling to save the giant beast (ITN, via Tanya Layman )

More than a hundred people battled for hours in an attempt to save a 16-ton whale shark that washed up on a beach in Ecuador.

Despite the efforts of crews of local people, the volunteers were unable to save the nine-metre female whale shark after it washed up on the beach near the small town of Santa Marianita on Monday morning.

The shark was spotted by fisherman after it became stranded as the tide receeded.

Rescuers said the shark, which died after six hours from exposure, was too heavy to move back into the water.

Former marine biology James Cooke University student Tanya Layman, who filmed part of the attempted rescue effort, told reporters: “The volunteers did their best to keep the animal breathing by flushing water in its mouth and over its gills in addition to protecting it from the scorching sun with shirts and kites from the local kite-boarding school.”

Among the largest fish in the sea whale sharks can reach lengths of 40ft, eating plankton – as well as any surrounding small fish also scooped up by its enormous jaws.

The massive beasts are generally docile, and have even been known to allow swimmers to clamber aboard for a ride. Although listed as a vulnerable species, they are still hunted in parts of Asia and the Philippines.