After the tragic death of a juvenile Fin whale yesterday evening (2nd May) visitors are being warned to keep their distance.
The whale, measuring 17.6 metres (almost 58 ft) was spotted in distress in the sea off Bridlington Southside yesterday afternoon.
Unfortunately, as the tide went out, the huge mammal became fully stranded on the beach and sadly passed away at around 6.pm.
Em Mayman from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue group (BDMLR), gave out a warning for those who intend to view the deceased whale.
“We ask people to keep a respectful distance and to not touch.
We don’t know what disease it could potentially carry, and what risk to the public it could present.
“Our team wore full PPE when around the animal, so we urge anyone going to see it doesn’t touch it. It is an animal that has died, and show a little respect – not climb on or deface it.
At the moment the exact cause of death is unknown, however whales of this size washing ashore are most often in the end throes of life.
“They are not designed to thrive and survive in the shallow North Sea, and a Fin whale this far off course will likely have a few issues.
“There is some grazing and injury to its underside where the sandpaper effect of the sand has scraped the skin as it stranded. This has caused a pooling of blood at the back of the whale, which we strongly advise people to not stand in.” said Em.
BDMLR were in attendance with the Bridlington Coastguard Rescue team and ERYC Foreshores staff.
“We had rescue kit on scene, however unfortunately this type of whale is unlikely to survive post stranding and pushing/towing it back out to sea is unethical and would cause extreme distress and injury to the whale.
“Once they become situated on their stomach with no support around their body, their own organs begin to be crushed.
“Once toxins build in the blood stream, any movement from an unsupported whale will spread quickly around the body resulting in the animal passing away quite quickly – as happened here.
“Trying to move it is not only dangerous for the BDMLR team, but would not help to save the whale either.” added Em.
An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson said: “We are now awaiting zoological experts to travel up from London to carry out an autopsy on the whale, as it is important to establish what happened in this sad incident.
“In the meantime, arrangements are underway to remove the whale as soon as possible from the beach, but given the size of the carcass, this will be a challenging operation.
“In the meantime, please stay away from this section of the beach and avoid contact with the carcass.”
It is understood that Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) are to undertake a necropsy on the whale to find out more information on this individual and their health status that led it to stranding at Bridlington.”
