Bhubaneswar: A 15-foot injured Blue Whale Shark which was washed ashore on Sunapur Beach in Ganjam district on Monday died despite efforts by fishermen to push it back into the sea.
The giant creature had become feeble due to old age and it died after lying stranded for over three hours on the beach, said sources.
As per reports, the local fishermen spotted the shark on the seashore at 11 am on Monday. As the news spread, people rushed to the spot to have a glimpse of the giant marine creature. The whale shark, weighing several tons, was unable to move due to its massive size and large waves hitting the seashore. The fishermen attempted to push it back into the sea but were unsuccessful. The giant shark eventually died after lying for a long time on the beach.
Berhampur Forest Range Officer, Sunny Khokhar, arrived at the scene and, after inspection, declared the death natural. The carcass was later buried after post-mortem.
“The shark became weak and sluggish with age, making it difficult for them to swim. The delay in pushing it back into the sea contributed to its death,” said Chikiti Block Fishery Extension Officer Priyabrata Das.
