Wales has witnessed two rare whale strandings in a single day, sparking fresh scientific investigation into the health of marine life around the UK.
On 1 September, a juvenile long-finned pilot whale was found stranded at Rhossili Bay near the Hillend caravan site. At just over 2.7 metres in length, the whale was still young, as adults can grow beyond six metres and live for up to 60 years.
Despite the efforts of members of the public, who tried to return it to the sea, the animal sadly died before help could arrive from the Coastguard and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). Experts believe the whale may have become separated from its tightly bonded family group, which could explain its stranding. The body has since been taken for a full post-mortem by the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP).
Later the same day, another call came in from Cefn Sidan sands, where the remains of a massive fin whale were discovered. At over 21 metres long, with a head more than 5 metres in length and 2.5 metres wide, it was an extraordinary sight. Fin whales are the second largest whale species after the blue whale, but strandings are exceptionally rare in Wales — only four have been recorded in the past 24 years, with the last in the River Dee in 2020.
This specimen had been dead for some time and was badly decomposed, but samples were taken for genetic analysis and to test for environmental contaminants.
A spokesperson said: “To see two whales of such different species strand on the same day in Wales is highly unusual. Every stranding gives us vital information about the health of our seas and the challenges marine life is facing.”
The response teams thanked BDMLR and Carmarthenshire Council for their help.
Members of the public who find a stranded marine animal are urged to call 0800 652 0333. If the animal is alive, select option 1 to be connected to BDMLR. For dead strandings, select option 2 and follow the instructions.
