Rescuers had hoped the 20ft-long Minke whale named "Widnes Willy" would swim to safety after a 12-hour rescue operation to free him from the Hale Bank in Widnes, Cheshire.

But it appears that after being floated out on high tide he again became confused and returned to the river rather than heading out to sea.

Police, fire and RSPCA officers are preparing a second rescue attempt at Oglet Beach in Speke where the six-tonne mammal has been given antibiotics and is said to be "calm" under the circumstances.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "It is very sad. Last night we saw him thrash away and then circle a couple of times and disappear.

"But unfortunately at low tide he has become stranded again. Whales are beautiful animals and despite their size and grace seem so vulnerable in situations like these."

Coastguard to tow him to sea

A spokesman for the coastguard said officers were sending down a pontoon and preparing to roll Widnes Willy on board and then tow him out to sea.

He said: "We have decided the best thing to do is look after him as best we can by keeping him cool and wet and then towing him out to sea rather than waiting for high tide.

"He is about eight miles away at the moment - he has managed only a couple of miles from where he was first stranded yesterday - so he needs a little help."