A safety warning has been issued after a deceased porpoise was found on a Northumberland beach, just days after a shark washed up in the same area. The HM Coastguard was alerted on Monday morning to a deceased porpoise discovered at Druridge Bay.
Discovery and response
Last week, a shark, believed to be a large porbeagle, was found in the same area. When a photo of the discovery was first shared online, people claimed that the image had been AI generated. However, on Sunday afternoon, British Divers Marine Life Rescue issued an update confirming that Marine Mammal Medics had attended the scene and confirmed the discovery was real. The shark has now been recovered ahead of examination.
Council arrangements and public advice
Northumberland County Council has now made arrangements for the porpoise to also be removed from the beach. However, until the removal has been completed, members of the public are being asked to maintain a safe distance from the remains and to keep dogs on leads when walking in the area.
A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council said: "We are aware that a pilot whale has sadly washed up on the shoreline at Druridge Bay. Following discussions with HM Coastguard, arrangements are now being made for the remains to be removed as soon as practicably possible.
"In the meantime, we would ask members of the public to keep a safe distance from the animal and ensure dogs are kept on leads when walking in the area until the remains have been safely removed."
A HM Coastguard spokesperson previously told ChronicleLive: "At 10.01am this morning, Monday 28 September, HM Coastguard was made aware of a deceased porpoise at Druridge Bay, Northumberland. Amble Coastguard Rescue Team was called, along with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and a report was made. The Receiver of Wreck was also notified."
