Dead Sperm Whale Found on Sylt Beach at Risk of Explosion

A dead sperm whale has been discovered off the coast of Sylt, raising concerns among environmental agencies. The carcass, measuring approximately 16 meters in length, was towed to the harbor of Hörnum by local shellfish fishermen and secured for safety. The whale, identified as male, has been deceased for some time, although the exact cause of death remains unknown at this point.

Authorities from the Wattenmeer Conservation Station have issued a warning advising the public to avoid approaching the decaying whale, even from a distance or by boat. The whale's body has begun to decompose, producing gases that could cause it to rupture explosively. Past incidents have demonstrated that the pressure buildup from decomposition can lead to dangerous situations.

Experts are scheduled to conduct a thorough examination of the juvenile whale on Monday, after which it will be removed from the beach. The organization emphasized the inherent risks associated with decomposing marine mammals, including potential infection hazards.

Sperm whales, some of the largest toothed whales in the world, can reach lengths exceeding 20 meters and weigh over 50 tons. They are known for their deep diving capabilities, often plunging for as long as 90 minutes to hunt prey at depths of several thousand meters. However, when these creatures stray into the shallow waters of the North Sea, they are at risk of stranding.

This incident recalls a significant event in 2016 when a group of 30 sperm whales stranded along the same stretch of coastline, with 12 of them found in the German Wattenmeer. Research conducted on those stranded whales indicated that multiple environmental factors likely contributed to their navigation errors, rather than a singular cause. Notably, studies did not find definitive evidence of illness or weakness among the stranded animals.

It is important to note that when sperm whales enter the shallower coastal areas of the North Sea, their echolocation abilities, which are adapted for deep-sea navigation, become less effective. This loss of navigational aid likely contributes to their disorientation and subsequent stranding.