MARINE experts are currently searching the River Orwell following sightings of a whale.First sightings were reported at around 2pm today to the coastguard in the area of the Orwell Bridge.

MARINE experts are currently searching the River Orwell following sightings of a whale.

First sightings were reported at around 2pm today to the coastguard in the area of the Orwell Bridge.

The coastguard alerted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue group which sent a representative to investigate the sightings.

The whale was spotted several times in the area under the bridge, before heading toward Ipswich Waterfront.

An expert from the marine life rescue group was taken aboard a local yacht and spent time observing the whale.

The whale was thought to be a northern bottlenose. It was not known if it was ill or has lost its way.

The rescue group is mobilising a team with a boat, generators and lighting in case the whale beaches itself or becomes stranded and a rescue operation needs to be mounted tonight.

See this website for further updates.