They pose a ‘significant health hazard’ – and could explode
A dead minke whale has been washed up on a beach up the coast from where another 40ft mammal was found days earlier.
Coastguards have urged holidaymakers and onlookers to stay away after the 27ft-long whale was found on Boulmer Beach in Northumberland.
Dead whales have been known to explode due to a build up of gasses as they decompose.
Howick Coastguard Rescue Team were called after a walker spotted the whale on the rocks on Friday (4/6) lunchtime.
A spokesperson said: “Sadly an 8.1 metre whale was found deceased on the rocks.
“It appeared to have been dead for some time.
“We can confirm that there were no obvious signs of trauma to the whale other than decomposition and sea bird predation.
“The area the whale is in is very dangerous to walk on. The surface is extremely slippery with seaweed and very rocky.
“It would be very easy to slip and sustain a serious injury on here.
“In addition to that, decomposing whales pose a significant health hazard from bacteria so should not be approached.
“Whales are Royal Fish and the property of the Receiver of Wreck. It is a criminal offence to interfere with the carcass.
“Members of the public are urged not to visit or approach due to the health risk and potential risk of serious personal injury.
“A plan is underway to arrange for the disposal of the carcass.”
Experts have been called to the scene to begin preparations for the sea mammal’s removal.
The grim discovery comes after another whale was found 85 miles away in South Gare, Redcar, on Tuesday (1/6).
Humber Coastguard confirmed it was a minke whale and thought to be up to 12 metres long.
Minke whales are the smallest of the great whales, growing to an average of 35ft (10.6m) long and weighing up to nine tonnes.
