Minke Whale Found Dead on Reighton Sands Beach in North Yorkshire.

BDMLR and UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme Called In for Investigation.

On September 21, 2023, an unfortunate discovery was made on Reighton Sands, a popular beach in North Yorkshire, as a deceased minke whale washed ashore. The grim find was made by a dog walker at 12:50 BST, marking a somber event that has prompted the involvement of marine wildlife organizations and local authorities.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was promptly informed about the discovery, and the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme has been mobilized to investigate the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death. Efforts are underway to determine the cause of death and gather valuable data for marine conservation.

North Yorkshire Council has taken steps to address the situation, planning to remove the whale from the beach on Friday morning. This coordinated effort aims to ensure the responsible disposal of the carcass and to prevent any potential environmental issues.

This incident follows a similar event earlier this year in May 2023 when a 55ft (17m) male fin whale became stranded off Bridlington, further down the Yorkshire coast. The carcass of the fin whale had garnered attention from tourists before being removed by the local council.

These events underscore the challenges faced by marine life and the importance of effective response and conservation efforts.The discovery of the deceased minke whale on Reighton Sands serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within our marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving the well-being of these majestic creatures. While investigations into the cause of death are ongoing, it is hoped that the findings will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by marine life and inform conservation efforts in the region.