Following the source of a foul odor, residents of Quan Lạn Commune in Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province discovered the carcass of a whale weighing approximately 10 tons in the process of decomposition within the local mangrove forest.
The site where the whale carcass was discovered in the mangrove forest – (Photo: NGỌC TUẤN)
On the afternoon of July 18, Mr. Lưu Minh Đức, the chairman of the Quan Lạn Commune People’s Committee, reported that local authorities received information from residents about a whale carcass stranded in the mangrove forest of Tân Phong hamlet.
Châu Ngọc Tuấn, a resident of Tân Phong hamlet, was the first to discover the approximately 10-ton whale washed ashore in the mangrove forest near Mắm Beach. Previously, a strong odor had enveloped Tân Phong hamlet, prompting residents to trace the source of the smell, leading to the discovery of the decomposing whale carcass.
At the site, the whale carcass was found to consist only of bones and skin, with the body having decayed significantly. The length of the carcass was approximately 5 meters, and the largest girth measured 1.5 meters. Regarding the disposal plan, Mr. Đức stated that the commune has reported to district leaders, but the rising tide is currently complicating the removal of the whale carcass.
“Tomorrow, when the tide recedes, we will organize a team to bury the whale carcass on-site to ensure marine environmental hygiene,” Mr. Đức mentioned.
According to Mr. Đức, residents have frequently encountered stranded whales in the waters of Quan Lạn, most of which have been rescued in a timely manner.
