Spanish authorities are investigating the death of a young male sperm whale who was found stranded at Nogales Beach on the Canary Island of La Palma. The whale, measuring nearly 13 meters in length, was discovered on Sunday, surprising both local residents and tourists.
On Monday, the Spanish coast guard tried to tow the whale from the shore to a disposal area to begin an autopsy. However, these efforts were unsuccessful.
Members of the forensic veterinary pathology unit from La Palma University are now carrying out the autopsy on the beach to determine the cause of the animal’s death.