A spokesperson for Arun District Council is calling on the public to demonstrate reverence towards a deceased whale that was discovered washed up on a Littlehampton beach earlier today. The plea for respect comes after images depicting the stranded whale, believed to measure nearly five meters in length, were shared with UKNIP

Photographs of the whale reveal visible damage and abrasions on its skin, suggesting potential encounters with rocks or other hard surfaces during its journey ashore.

Efforts to address the situation swiftly have been initiated by the Arun District Council, with a dedicated team dispatched to manage the incident. The council emphasizes the importance of public safety and urges individuals to refrain from approaching the whale.

“We know that this is the time of year when it’s not unusual for marine life to wash up on the shore,” stated a spokesperson for Arun District Council. “We have arranged for the whale to be taken away in line with the agreed protocol and urge people not to make a trip to see it. We encourage the public to continue to act sensibly and safely, keep dogs on leads and away from it, and show this creature the respect it deserves.

The Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team responded to reports of the stranded whale at 12:30 pm today. Collaborating with the Solent Coastguard, Arun District Council, and Sussex Police, they coordinated efforts to secure the area and facilitate the disposal of the whale’s carcass. According to their assessment, the animal is believed to be a Minke Whale, typically living up to thirty years.

The removal of the whale has been successfully carried out by a contracted team, marking the conclusion of the operation.

As the community reflects on this sombre event, authorities stress the significance of treating such occurrences with dignity and respect, honouring the natural world and its inhabitants even in moments of tragedy.