Kumta: Decomposed body of 13.5-metre blue whale found on the seashore

Kumta: A dead blue whale measuring around 13.5 metres in length was found washed ashore in a decomposed state at Vannalli beach near Kumta in Uttara Kannada district, officials said.

Local residents, who noticed the whale carcass lying on the shore, immediately informed the Forest Department.

According to preliminary information, the whale is suspected to have died in the deep sea several weeks ago due to fluctuating oceanic conditions. Experts said blue whales usually inhabit the middle layers of the ocean and it is extremely rare for one to reach the shore.

Forest officials believe the whale likely died at sea and drifted ashore due to strong ocean currents.

“The body is highly decomposed, making a post-mortem examination impossible. The carcass will be buried on site,” said RFO Praveen Nayak.