Shocking! 45 whales die after being washed ashore in Tamil Nadu

Tuticorin: Dozens of whales have died after they were found washed ashore on a beach in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

The shocking incident happened after more than 100 whales were found stranded on the beach since Monday evening.

While as many as 36 whales have been rescued by the fishermen, 45 whales have been confirmed dead.

Officials said the fishermen dragged many of the beached whales back into the sea but they keep returning to the shores near Manapadu and Kallamozhi villages.

Experts said while beaching of whales is common around the world, it was so unnatural for whales to come ashore in such a large number.

“There could be many reasons ... navy sonars could have caused it or pollution … the reason is not immediately known and we don’t want to speculate,” Assistant Director of Tuticorin fisheries department, Amal Xavier, was quoted as saying.

In April last year, carcass of a whale washed ashore at Veppalodai coast which was identified as a `Sperm Whale` by a team of scientists from the Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI).

Again in August, the carcass of a 33-feet-long whale washed up on a beach near a village in Nagapattinam district.

(With Agencies input)