22/02/2010

Dead Whale Washed-Up In Cornwall

A deceased 16.9 metre whale has now been washed up around the headland at Porthtowan in Cornwall.

Initially a report was received by Falmouth Coastguard two days ago after something in the water was spotted, east of Zennor.

The St Ives RNLI lifeboat investigated and confirmed the carcass, of the yet unknown species.

A broadcast was made into the area by the coastguard alerting shipping to the floating object and its location has been tracked regularly since the first sighting.

The St Ives Coastguard Rescue Team also made a visual observation from the shoreline.

The Receiver of Wreck, Alison Kentuck, has been informed and she is in negotiations with Cornwall Council in order to dispose of the remains.

It is still possible however that the carcass may be washed out to sea on the next tide.

She asked members of the public not to approach the carcass.

"As yet we do not know how the whale died. So beside the obvious off putting smell in the area, there are notifiable diseases which can be caught from handling deceased whales and we are asking the public to be sensible and remain well away from the area until we have made arrangements for its disposal, and we will do this as quickly as possible," said Ms Kentuck.

She added: "The location is one that is susceptible from being cut off by the tide and access from the cliff is quite difficult, so we are advising people not approach for their own safety."

(PR/GK)

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