West Norfolk rescue teams were sent out to a beach after a rare whale washed up on the shore.
Hunstanton Coastguards and crews from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called following reports that a female Sowerby’s beaked whale – a rarely seen, deep-diving ocean species – was stranded on some mud at 7.19pm on Wednesday evening.
Due to the “irresponsible” behaviour of sightseers in the past, the organisations were not able to disclose an exact location, but confirmed the animal – which measured 4.5 metres in length – was in Norfolk.
The rare whale was found dead on a Norfolk beach. Pictures: Matt Curtis/BDMLR
Shortly after their arrival, the whale was pronounced dead, and it was examined to determine the cause.
However, the teams had to stop as it began to get dark, and it was unsafe to continue.
Marine Life Rescue returned the following day to continue their research.
The Sowerby’s beaked whale is a rarely seen, deep-diving ocean species
“Sowerby’s beaked whales spend their lives in the deep open ocean, diving hundreds of metres below the surface to feed on squid and deep-sea fish,” a spokesperson for BDMLR said.
“Very little is known about them, which is why every stranding matters.”
They have been seen less than a dozen times in Norfolk, with the first sighting being in 1822 at Overstrand, near Cromer.
It is believed that, since the species breeds in the Arctic and travels South with their young to warmer waters, this female may have had a baby with her somewhere in The Wash – however it has not been found.
The team has said that if permission is given, Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, an organisation which looks into the passing of marine life, may be able to carry out an autopsy to better understand the situation.
“These types of strandings are rare, but serve as a reminder of the hidden lives in our oceans,” BDMLR added.
Both the coastguards and the charity have advised that if people come across a stranded animal on the beach, they should not put themselves in danger by trying to help it.
Instead, call 999 and ask for the coastguard or call the BDMLR rescue hotline on 01825 765546.