Rare whale washed up on beach near Weymouth Sailing Academy

The deceased animal's been recovered for testing

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 5th Nov 2024

A rare species of whale has been found dead on a beach close to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The Sowerby Beaked Whale was discovered north of Smallmouth Bay on Sunday (3rd November).

Staff from the Academy, and experts from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue service recovered the animal.

It's believed it had already died before being washed up onto the beach.

The species are normally found in much deeper seas, with them found in British waters just seven times before this incident.

The whale's body has been passed on to scientists at London Zoo, who will try to work out how it died, and why it might have been here.

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