Dead Sperm Whale on Sylt to Be Removed and Examined
A deceased sperm whale has washed ashore on the German island of Sylt in the North Sea, prompting authorities to initiate efforts for its removal and examination.
Discovery and Initial Actions
The whale’s carcass was initially spotted and towed to the vicinity of Hörnum harbor by mussel fishermen on Saturday, August 27th, 2023. The young male, estimated to be approximately 16 meters in length and deceased for some time, was then secured with a rope.
Planned Removal and Transport
The exact timing of the whale’s removal and transport to the mainland remained uncertain as of Monday, August 28th. However, authorities outlined plans to potentially bring the animal ashore during high tide using ropes and a tractor, according to Anne Schacht, a Sylt National Park ranger.
"We hope to obtain dump trucks from the mainland, into which the whale will be loaded in parts," Schacht explained. "To facilitate this, the body will need to be dismembered."
A decision was expected by the afternoon of Monday to determine whether the whale would be recovered and transported on the same day or postponed to Tuesday. Subsequently, experts from the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) would conduct an examination of the carcass.
Safety Precautions and Concerns
Due to the potential risk of the whale exploding, the beach has been cordoned off approximately 50 meters away from the carcass. "The animal has a thick layer of blubber," Schacht explained. "The bacteria inside it continue to breathe, producing gases that can put the whale under pressure. If the air has nowhere to escape, it can become dangerous for people."
Visual observations indicate that the whale’s mouth is agape and a tear on its back may have allowed some gas to escape.
Possible Causes and Speculation
The exact cause of the whale’s death and its journey to the North Sea off Sylt remain unknown. However, experts speculate that the young male may have lost its way while undertaking extensive migrations between the equator and the North Pole.
"It’s possible that the animal became disoriented due to hearing loss or other factors," Schacht stated.
Importance of Investigation
The examination by ITAW experts is expected to shed light on the whale’s health, diet, and possible cause of death. Such investigations contribute to the understanding of marine mammal populations and the threats they face in the changing marine environment.
