A video screenshot shows a four-meter-long, one-metric-ton whale which was found beached in Tri Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam on May 31, 2025
The incident occurred at around 9:00 am when the whale swam deep into the Ninh Chu estuary in Tri Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, according to Ho Van Nam, chairman of the commune administration.
As the creature was still alive when discovered, local fishermen tried to return it to sea.
However, it died while being towed near Khanh Hoi Village.
The whale is brought to the Nam Hai temple for worship and traditional burial rites. Photo: An Anh
Following local customs, the whale's carcass was brought to the Nam Hai temple for worship and traditional burial rites.
Nam added that a formal burial is scheduled for Sunday morning.
This marks the first recorded whale stranding and death in the area.
Elder fishermen in the coastal village said whales, reverently called 'Ca ong' (Lord Whale), are believed to bring blessings.
They see such events as omens of good fishing seasons and safe voyages.
Fishermen ice the whale’s carcass in preparation for burial on the morning of June 1, 2025. Photo: An Anh
A nearly four-meter-long whale died shortly after it was found beached in Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam on May 31, 2025
