Carcass of tropical whale washed ashore on Neelankarai beach

The male whale was in a decomposed state and could have been died some three days ago. As per the instructions of the Kancheepuram district forest officer, a full external examination was taken up and the decomposed whale was buried 50 metres above the high tide line with the help of an earth mover, the ranger said.

According to marine biologist Supraja Dharini of Tree Foundation, the stranded whale was 22.5-feet long, weighing around 3 tonnes. Its flipper was 80 centimetres long and 30 cms wide at the base. The tail was 130 centimetres wide. 

A deep cut mark on the tail (fluke) was visible and the mammal could have been caught in a commercial fishing vessel, Supraja opined. Tropical whales, called as Byrde’s whale, are found both offshore and near the coast. They are known to approach boats and ships out of curiosity. Whales of this species are not known to make extensive north to south migrations though short migrations have been documented, Supraja added.

According to foresters, the exact reason for the whale’s death could not be ascertained. This is the first case of whale being washed ashore in Kanathur area this year.