A huge Sperm Whale has died after being washed up on a remote Co Donegal beach.
The creature, estimated to be up to 70 feet long and weighing 25 tonnes, came ashore at around 5.30pm last night (Sat) at the ‘Big Beach’ at Glencolmcille.
Image credit – Ross McLoughlin
Local whale-watchers estimate the whale is between 25 and 40 years old.
The whale initially became trapped on the beach but it is not know if it was dead at that stage.
Locals say the creature is showing no sign of life this morning.
The whale has also some damage to its body.
The find has been reported to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
Image credit – Ross McLoughlin
Locals, who have been visiting the scene, say they are unsure what will happen to the huge creature now.
“Perhaps the whale came into the beach to die, or maybe sand got stuck in his gills and blocked them. Or it was hit by a boat or rock and the tide took it in.
“We’re not sure if the tide will take it out again so we are waiting to see.
“The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has been informed though,” said one local.
A number of people are visiting the site but people have been advised to stay away from the dead animal.
A study carried in 2020 estimated there is a population of 380 sperm whales in waters deeper than 300 metres off Ireland’s western shores.
Update:
We understand that according to local reports at the scene where the whale washed up, the whale may have sadly been deceased for some time before washing up on the shore.
More as we have it.