Dead whale found on Cumbrian beach during Storm Boelo

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 11:38 · Archive

A dead northern bottlenose whale was discovered on Flimby beach in Cumbria as Storm Boelo battered the UK.

A dead northern bottlenose whale was found washed up on Flimby beach in Cumbria over the weekend. Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team was called to the beach on Sunday morning but found the juvenile animal had already died. The discovery occurred as Storm Boelo battered the coastline with strong winds, flooding and fallen trees across the county.

The Coastguard warned the public to keep their distance from the carcass, stating it "may have toxins that can pass to humans". The team also cautioned that "gathering round the animal will intensify their distress, and it is possible for disease to be passed to humans". They urged anyone who spots a stranded whale or porpoise to dial 999, provide details, and wait for professional help rather than attempting a rescue.

Northern bottlenose whales typically inhabit deep waters of the North Atlantic Ocean in pods of four to twenty. They can dive to depths exceeding 1,400 metres and remain underwater for up to two hours while feeding on deep-water squid. The Coastguard stressed that well-intentioned rescue efforts by the public could cause the animals painful injuries and pose danger to those involved, given their huge weight and potential to thrash about.

How it is being reported

• Dead whale found on Cumbrian beach as Storm Boelo batters UKThe coastguard has urged the public to report any other stranded whalesThe Independent · 26 Oct, 11:25
• Coastguard issues warning after dead whale washes up on UK beach as Storm Boelo batters BritsThe Coastguard urged anyone who comes across a stranded whale to report it and keep their distance. The warning followed the discovery of a young northern bottlenose whale on a Cumbrian beachThe Mirror · 25 Oct, 21:20

In this story: Flimby beach · Cumbria · Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team · Storm Boelo · North Atlantic Ocean · British Divers Marine Life Rescue

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