Attempts to save Basking Shark are in vein

A young Basking Shark which was repeatedly trying to beach itself has sadly had to be euthanized by those who were trying to save it.

The shark, which eats zooplankton and is the largest fish found in British waters, and the second largest shark after the whale shark, was spotted in trouble off the Yorkshire coast in the seaside resort of Filey.

Despite attempts by the coastguard and the RNLI to persuade it back to deeper waters, it kept on wanting to beach itself, leading those at the scene - including a vet - that the shark was ill.

**Rescuers' desperate battle to save a 15ft basking shark stranded off the UK coast ended with heartbreaking news today** (Image: HullLive/MEN/Jack Whitehead)

Also helping in the rescue attempt were British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

A spokesperson for the group told the BBC that: "Unfortunately, the shark appeared to be struggling as it was listing consistently over to its right-hand side and circling in the shallows, sometimes needing support from the rescuers."

"Despite attempts to move it into deeper water the shark continued to head back to the beach where it restranded and later in the evening was put to sleep by a vet due to the poor prognosis."

Although the shark was unable to be saved, it's a positive to see people trying to help sharks and raises awareness of the Basking Shark and its continued plight. It's death made all the more sad as this species still remains on the endangered list.