Dead whale shark beached in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A dead whale shark measuring between six to seven meters and weighing about four tons was found along the shore in this city yesterday morning.

The whale shark or butanding was found at around 4 a.m. by fishermen along the coast of Sitio Magsungay in Barangay Singcang-Airport. It  bore injuries in the head and tail.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of death of the marine mammal.

Lt.JG. Zindy Firmilo, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod substation, expressed belief that the whale was male.

Due to the size and weight of the whale, it will be difficult to move or transport the carcass for proper disposal, Firmilo said.

He said the whale shark may have to be cut into sections to facilitate its extraction and burial.

The carcass may be buried at a sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa, subject to appropriate clearances and disposal procedures.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has reportedly allowed the city government to proceed with disposal of the dead whale shark.