United News of Bangladesh

The carcass of a giant whale was found floating in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Kuakata in Patuakhali on Wednesday, drawing the attention of environmentalists and marine researchers. Members of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement confirmed the presence of the whale carcass after reaching the site in deep waters in the morning. According to local sources, the dead whale was floating about two kilometres off the Kuakata's Zero Point. Preliminary observations suggest it belongs to the Baleen species and measures approximately 40 to 45 feet in length. “The whale was floating around two kilometres from Kuakata Zero Point. Based on its condition, we believe it died around five to six days ago,” KM Bacchu, convener of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement, said. Md Bakhtiar Rahman, research assistant of the 'Sustho Sagar' (Healthy Ocean) project implemented by the WCS Bangladesh and WorldFish with support from the Blue Action Fund, said initial observations indicate that the whale likely died five to six days ago. However, it is not possible to determine the exact cause of death solely from its external condition, he said. “A necropsy and detailed scientific examination will be required to determine the actual cause of death.” Local environment activists have called for the preservation of the whale carcass and the initiation of scientific research to identify the cause of its death. They said such incidents carry important implications for coastal biodiversity and the overall health of the marine ecosystem.

The carcass of a humpback whale washed ashore on the Himchhari beach adjacent to Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf marine drive on Friday morning. Locals found the rotting carcass when the tide was receding. “We suspect that the whale died a week ago. Samples from the carcass have been collected for tests. The reason behind its death can be known after a necropsy,” said SM Khalequzzaman, the Cox’s Bazar District Fisheries Officer. Read Dead tiger’s autopsy done in Bagerhat The 44 feet long whale is believed to be about 17 years old, said marine biologist Jahirul Islam. Khalequzzaman said this species is seen in the Bay in the south-western part of the Sundarbans. The last time a whale washed ashore here was in 2008. In 1991, another whale carcass had washed ashore on Laboni beach. Additional Deputy Commissioner Amin Al Parvez told reporters that they would try to determine the cause of the whale’s death and bury it as soon as possible. Read Whale 'swallows' sea lion: 'It was a once-in-a-lifetime event'