KUAKATA, PATUAKHALI, June 3: A massive 58-foot-long dead whale of the baleen species has washed ashore on the Kuakata sea beach, marking one of the largest such sightings in the coastal area in recent decades, locals said.
The whale was spotted around 2pm on Wednesday along the eastern side of the beach near the pine forest (Zhau Bagan). Earlier in the morning, fishermen had reportedly seen the carcass floating about 15 kilometres offshore from Kuakata.
Members of the local environmental organisation Upakul Poribesh Rokkha Andolon (UPRA) rushed to the scene after being informed and attempted to recover the carcass. However, due to its advanced state of decomposition, immediate removal was not possible, and it later drifted ashore with the tide.
UPRA Convener Bachchu Khalifa said the whale is believed to have died in deep sea around a week ago. The exact cause of death could not be confirmed.
"This is a serious signal for marine biodiversity," he said, adding that efforts are being made to preserve the skeleton of the whale.
Mahipur Forest Range Officer Monir Hossain said a beat officer had been sent to the spot, and higher authorities have been informed for necessary action.
The incident has drawn attention from locals and environmental observers, raising concerns over marine ecosystem health in the Bay of Bengal.
