Northern Ireland

Minke whale carcass washes up on Tyrella Beach

The minke whale carcass which was found washed up on Tyrella Beach in Co Down. Picture by Newcastle Coastguard
The minke whale carcass which was found washed up on Tyrella Beach in Co Down. Picture by Newcastle Coastguard The minke whale carcass which was found washed up on Tyrella Beach in Co Down. Picture by Newcastle Coastguard

MEMBERS of the public have been asked to stay clear of the carcass of a giant minke whale which washed up on Tyrella Beach in Co Down yesterday.

The huge carcass was reported to the Coastguard on Monday morning and staff arrived to inspect it before contacting the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Samples from the whale, believed to have been washed in on the morning tide, were taken.

A Coastguard spokesman urged people to avoid the carcass and ensure pets steer clear while visiting the beach.

"Officials are now working towards the removal of the whale from Tyrella Beach but it is not yet known how this whale died or if it has any diseases," he said.

"It could be harmful to other animals. We are unsure at this stage, but we would just ask people to stay clear."