69-ft whale carcass found in Spanish port

Authorities in Spain were forced to cut up and remove a massive whale carcass at a port in A Coruña.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, the dead whale, which measured around 21 meters or nearly 69 feet long, was discovered at the port before it could fully decompose.

Officials immediately moved to dispose of the remains to prevent possible health and safety risks.

Because of its sheer size and an estimated weight of around 30 tons, authorities had to cut the whale's body into several pieces, and cranes were used to lift and transport the carcass away from the area.

Experts are still studying the cause of the whale's death.

Kuya Kim said leaving a whale carcass unattended can pose serious danger, as gases build up inside the body during decomposition and may cause it to explode.

This risk was seen in a 2004 incident in Taiwan, when a dead sperm whale exploded while being transported to Tainan City, injuring bystanders and causing widespread contamination.

Mindanao State University GenSan College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Faculty Glenville Castrence explained that when large animals like whales die, their internal organs decompose and produce gases such as methane, causing pressure to build up inside the body.

"Nagbi-build up din doon sa loob ng katawan ng hayop, 'yung pressure nito is tumataas nang tumataas at hindi sila nakakalabas doon. So kung magkakaroon na ng hiwa o tinusok, magkakaroon ng explosion. Depende sa sitwasyon at depende sa distansya, kung medyo malapit, magkakaroon ka noong injuries, pero 'pag hindi naman gaano kalapit ay 'yung amoy ang hindi kaayaaya, napakabaho," he said.

Because of this risk, the public is advised not to approach or touch stranded whale carcasses.

"Para makaiwas tayo sa panganib, at 'wag na 'wag nating hawakan for possible contamination at ipagbigay alam natin sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan," Castrence said. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News