Whales come to Kendari

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Residents of the Moramo district have been entertained for the past month by the antics of two whales who ventured into the nearby Staring Bay.

"People feel entertained, because the whales, about 10 meters long, can be approached by fishermen in boats," Asri, a government employee, told Antara on Wednesday.

Locals said there were initially three whales in the bay some 45 kilometers from the Kendari township.

"But one was speared by a fisherman and it has not been seen since," Asri said.

Others said the whales did not seem disturbed although many fishing boats approached them in the clear waters, mainly in the mornings and afternoons. Authorities have banned locals from disturbing or capturing the whales.