🌊🐋 Talk about an unexpected encounter on the beach! A massive 70ft fin whale, known as a “razorback” for its sleek shape, has washed up on Cefn Sidan Beach in Carmarthenshire. This majestic marine giant, second only to the blue whale in size, took everyone by surprise, especially since it’s only the fourth time this century such a creature has made its way to Welsh shores.
The whale’s head alone was over 16ft long! Marine experts from the Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) were on the scene, noting that the whale had been dead for a while and was in a poor state of decomposition. Initial investigations suggest it might be a female, but time will tell as they conduct further tests.
Sadly, this isn’t the first whale incident this week—just two days prior, a long-finned pilot whale was found on Rhossili Bay beach. Despite efforts to save it, the whale succumbed before rescuers arrived.
Fin whales, incredibly powerful but also vulnerable, are a protected species with their numbers having been devastated by commercial whaling. Their presence now gracing Welsh waters again brings a touch of hope, highlighting the necessity of conservation efforts.
If you ever spot a stranded marine animal, don’t hesitate – call the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333 to help give these creatures a fighting chance.
Let’s keep our beaches clean and continue to protect these ocean giants! 💙🐳