Urgent Warning: Beached Fin Whale Found on Cork Coast

URGENT UPDATE: A large fin whale has washed ashore on the Mizen Peninsula in Cork, prompting immediate warnings for the public to maintain a safe distance. The whale, measuring approximately 17 meters, was reported to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) on Monday and is currently in an advanced state of decomposition.

The whale’s carcass was discovered in the Barleycove area, where it displays significant signs of distress, including missing sections of its head and visible bite marks on the tail, likely inflicted by scavenging sharks before it drifted ashore.

Two IWDG volunteers, Jasmine Stavenow and Jan Wolstenholme, promptly visited the scene to collect vital data, including measurements, photographs, and skin samples. These samples will be sent to the National Museum of Ireland for analysis and preservation in the Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bank.

The IWDG reports that fin whales are the second-largest animals on Earth, capable of growing up to 25 meters long and weighing as much as 48 tonnes. Remarkably, only one or two of these majestic creatures wash up around Ireland each year, making this incident the second fin whale stranding in 2025.

In light of the situation, Cork County Council is currently assessing the disposal of the carcass. “We’re unsure which action will be taken by the local county council at this time, though we normally advise burying animals above the high tide mark where possible,” stated IWDG spokesperson Stephanie Levesque. She emphasized the importance of public safety, urging anyone who encounters a stranded whale, dolphin, or porpoise to report it immediately.

As this situation develops, the IWDG reminds the public to prioritize safety and avoid approaching the carcass. The presence of the beached whale not only raises environmental concerns but also highlights the fragile state of marine life in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, and share this urgent information to raise awareness about the importance of marine wildlife conservation.