A stranded whale was rescued from a shallow part of the sea in Indonesia.

The 50ft (15 m) marine animal was spotted by locals who called and helped authorities return it to its habitat in East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday, December 8.

Footage shows the gigantic water beast struggling to move in the water. It opened its huge mouth a local splashed water on it.

They used a pole to push it back into the depths but to no avail.

While veterinarian Fransiska Romana from the Ngada Regency Animal Husbandry Service said the whale's general health is normal, they found 30 round wounds on its back.

Arief Mahmud, head of the NTT Natural Resources Conservation Agency (KSDA) said: 'Vital signs were in good, bursts every five to nine minutes were present, and the whale's eye response was good. The condition of the tail and right fin was also fine. However, the left fin could not be moved.'

Sukandar added: 'The cause of the whale being stranded in the sea waters of Sambinasi Tengah Village is thought to be due to several factors such as ageing, illness, being lost, not being able to eat, losing direction, strong sea currents and also being attacked by other sea predators.'

The type of whale is under further identification but Indonesia is home to several species of whales but sperm whales are the most common. They can grow up to 67ft (20.5m).