Whale trapped inside NB harbor

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) - A whale has become trapped inside New Bedford's harbor.

The harbormaster's office says the whale is swimming near the Fairhaven Bridge, which carries Route 6 over the harbor. 

"Unfortunately, the animal appears disoriented and obviously this is an offshore animal, so we're dealing with that right now. We're trying to asses the animal," said Brian Sharp from the International Fund For Animal welfare.

Dozens of people gathered to catch a glimpse of the whale.

Catrina Forsoithe said, "I thought maybe we'd be the only ones out here, but I guess news travels fast."

"It looked like a dolphin, but it's a whale," said Jon Cox.

Police and Coast Guard units are keeping an eye on the animal and warning boaters to keep their distance.

So far, there's no word on what type of whale it is, or how long it has been there.