Beached Whale in old Hunstanton

[EnthuZiaZT]

We went this morning to Hunstanton, on the North Norfolk Coast, just next to where we live, having heard that a Sperm Whale was beached just below the cliffs in the old part of the town. Apparently it had been seen swimming with three others yesterday, then according to some of the wildlife experts there, beached itself and died overnight. A very, very sad situation, but none the less an incredible sight to see such an awesome creature so close up. No-one seems to know why these magnificent mammals put themselves is such jeopardy, the RLNI and some of the experts tried to drag it back in, but with something that size, I would have said it was an impossible task!!

We would to share the pics that we took with you, although they are very distressing to look at.











So very, very sad.

Mike & Sandy

 

[Shelly]

Poor poor Whale

 

[andyglym]

We went this morning to Hunstanton, on the North Norfolk Coast, just next to where we live, having heard that a Sperm Whale was beached just below the cliffs in the old part of the town. Apparently it had been seen swimming with three others yesterday, then according to some of the wildlife experts there, beached itself and died overnight. A very, very sad situation, but none the less an incredible sight to see such an awesome creature so close up. No-one seems to know why these magnificent mammals put themselves is such jeopardy, the RLNI and some of the experts tried to drag it back in, but with something that size, I would have said it was an impossible task!!

We would to share the pica that we took with you, although they are very distressing to look at.











So very, very sad.

Mike & Sandy

Very sad.

 

[Antm72]

Magnificent creature and such a sad end ...

 

[Low Rider]

What a shame

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

I've just realised that Mike is in the second photo, on the right just near the tail!

We arrived quite early, just before they started to cordon it off and tell everyone to stop touching it and wash their hands! As we came away lots and lots of people were heading towards it along the beach. Unfortunately it will be a real Tourist attraction until they sort out what they will do with it, one of the experts said that they have to bury it, Will take a lot of spades to do that!!!

M & S

 

[Low Rider]

I've just realised that Mike is in the second photo, on the right just near the tail!

We arrived quite early, just before they started to cordon it off and tell everyone to stop touching it and wash their hands! As we came away lots and lots of people were heading towards it along the beach. Unfortunately it will be a real Tourist attraction until they sort out what they will do with it, one of the experts said that they have to bury it, Will take a lot of spades to do that!!!

M & S

Or a JCB. Have you seen the exploding wale on the back of a lorry on youtube

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

That sounds like an sight to behold!!! @Low Rider

Calling Mike 'Capt Ahab' now, as he has gone into Whale mode, didn't know that he had such an incredible knowledge of them. If he shouts "Thar she blows!" one more time, I'm going to crown him with the frying pan!!!!

Sandy

 

[hard top]

I think they beach themselves when they are not feeling well, as they do not want to drown.

 

[One Spanner Frank]

I saw a similar report some time ago in America, but that one exploded. I think the local authorities tried to remove it using explosives very unsuccessfully.
I suppose that everything reaches the end eventually.

 

[Redline]

A very sad sight. I'm sure whales have the same self-preservation instincts as everything else. Most likely to have been ill or simply old. Not something they'd do deliberately.

I was right there a few months photographing those rocks in the background a few months ago.

 

[Mrs Mint]

@EnthuZiaZT we had a similar experience when we were in New Zealand in 2014. There were three, they think it was a family. As you say it was so sad to see. What I didn't like was the number of people who thought standing next them smiling for their holiday snaps was the thing to do
We were told that when they are beached they actually die a painful death, not sure if that's true but if it is that also sad

 

[t-tony]

It's very painful for them to die out of the water as they basically crush themselves as the water supports their bodies in the water. A very sad and upsetting sight but all part of nature which sometimes can be very hard.

Tony.

 

[hard top]

A very sad and upsetting sight but all part of nature which sometimes can be very hard.

Well, at least the Japs did not get it.....

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Thank goodness, the other three whales have disappeared, perhaps they waited until the sick one had breathed it's last!!!

M & S

 

[Macca]

Unfortunately, I've just read that all 3 have washed up on the beaches around Skegness.

 

[Redline]

 

[Low Rider]

Unfortunately, I've just read that all 3 have washed up on the beaches around Skegness.

Thats a shame

 

[One Spanner Frank]

That is whole pod gone.

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

That is whole pod gone.

There has been mention that there was six in the pod, so maybe there are still two left somewhere. They can't all be ill, it's almost like they have committed suicide??? It's bizarre.

Sandy