Mysterious Strandings of Sowerby's Beaked Whales in Sweden Spark Investigations
Investigation continues into two stranded Sowerby's beaked whales in Sweden.
- • Two Sowerby's beaked whales stranded off Halland, Sweden.
- • One whale was found dead in Frillesås, the other on Läsö in Denmark.
- • Initial examinations show whales were healthy with only superficial injuries.
- • Investigations underway to determine cause of the strandings.
Key details
In a rare occurrence, two Sowerby's beaked whales have been found stranded off the coast of Halland, Sweden, leading to ongoing investigations by marine biologists and veterinarians. The first whale was initially rescued by the Coast Guard after being found near Åsa on Friday, but tragically, one was later discovered dead in Frillesås near Kungsbacka, while the other was found dead on the island of Läsö in Denmark.
Preliminary examinations reveal that the whale found in Frillesås was in remarkably good condition with a healthy body weight, showing only superficial injuries possibly related to the stranding. According to Moa Naalisvaara Engman from the Swedish Veterinary Institute, the exact cause of the strandings remains enigmatic, with investigations focusing on potential environmental toxins and viruses. Samples have been collected for further analysis, including a CT scan of the whale's head.