Dead whale washed ashore on rocks in Waterford

Sarah Slater

A dead whale has washed ashore on rocks in west Waterford.

Waterford City and County Council are advising the public to stay away from a dead whale which has washed up in Ballincalmper, Dungarvan.

A council spokesperson confirmed that the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) are on site to examine the carcass. The whale is believed to be a fin whale which can be about 20 metres long.

The IWDG is responsible for investigating the death of the whale.

In a statement the council said that their role in situations such as this is the “removal/burial of any dead marine life” such as dolphins, whales and seals that wash up on our public beaches and to arrange for the safe disposal of carcasses.

The council is urging the public to report any incidents of large dead marine life to them and is also advising them to keep away from the whale for health and safety reasons.

Meanwhile, the IWDG is warning to be vigilant as a second live stranding of a dolphin has occurred, this time in Cloghane in west Kerry.

The recent live stranding occurred last Saturday. In a statement North Kerry IWDG said: “As the tide receded today, the local community network reported that a common dolphin had become stuck in Cloghane estuary.

“But with a few helping hands she made it back to deep water, fingers and toes crossed for her safe onward travels. Many thanks to all those that helped”.