Sperm whale carcass off Sylt: danger from exploding sea colossus!

Sperm whale carcass off Sylt: danger from exploding sea colossus!

A dramatic incident occurred off the German island of Sylt: a dead sperm whale was recently discovered on the beach near the port of Hörnum. The approximately 16 meter long male animal, which appears to have been dead for a long time, was spotted on Friday evening, but was not towed near the harbor until the next day by the coast guard and mussel fishermen crown reported. The authorities warn urgently against approaching the carcass as it poses a significant risk of infection due to putrefaction gases.

Danger of explosion due to putrefaction gases

The foul-smelling carcass could explode at any time, posing a direct danger to passers-by and boatmen. “Because of the putrefaction gases, it is lying high in the water and has apparently already burst open on the back,” Katharina Weinberg from the Wadden Sea Conservation Station told the dpa. Experts are expected to determine the exact cause of death on Monday before the carcass can be disposed of. Until this point, approaching by boat is not recommended as this poses significant health risks, such as Wadden Sea protection station determines.

Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales in the world, can grow up to 20 meters long and weigh over 50 tons. Their way of life is adapted to deep waters, which is why they often get into trouble in the shallow North Sea. Ships and strange noises interfere with their sonar system, causing them to get lost and stranded. In recent years there have been repeated reports of sperm whale strandings in the North Sea, with human influences such as plastic waste and fishing nets also contributing to the endangerment of the animals.