Residents in Cat Tien Commune, Gia Lai Province push a dead whale ashore for burial. Photo: V.T.
Le Van Toan, head of Vinh Hoi Hamlet in Cat Tien Commune, Gia Lai Province, said on Monday that when the whale drifted into nearshore waters, it was still alive but severely weakened and covered with multiple open wounds.
Local fishermen attempted to guide the whale back to deeper waters in hopes it could recover and return to the sea.
However, due to its deteriorating condition, the whale died and its body later washed ashore in Vinh Hoi Hamlet.
Initial observations indicated the whale was about four meters long and weighed approximately two tonnes.
Notably, its body had several circular wounds that looked like bite marks, probably caused by marine creatures.
The whale also had an unusual appearance, with black and white mottled skin and a relatively short, pointed mouth.
Local fishermen said they had never seen a whale with similar features before.
