A dead juvenile northern bottlenose whale has washed ashore on Flimby beach, prompting warnings from the Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team for the public to stay away. The discovery was made on Saturday, following severe weather brought by Storm Austen and Storm Boelo.
Northern bottlenose whales are known to inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean and are capable of deep dives, reaching depths of over 1,400 meters and remaining submerged for up to two hours, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity.
The Coastguard issued a caution against touching the carcass, citing the potential presence of toxins that could be transmitted to humans. They also advised caution due to the continued strong winds associated with Storm Boelo.
Members of the public have been asked to report any sightings of stranded whales, dead or alive, immediately. They are instructed to maintain a safe distance from the animal and await official assistance. The Coastguard emphasized that gathering around the whale could increase its distress and that there is a risk of disease transmission to humans.
Local authorities are managing the situation on Flimby beach, where the whale was found following the recent storms.