Around 9 AM, fishermen in Phu Thanh hamlet, Hai Chau commune (formerly part of Dien Chau district), discovered a whale carcass that large waves had carried ashore.

The whale measured nearly 10 meters long with a body diameter of 2-3 meters. Its skin was brown and white with black stripes. Much of its body was decayed, emitting a strong odor. The carcass floated about 10 centimeters above the water, covered with mollusks.

Hai Chau commune leaders confirmed specialists' assessment that the whale died over one week ago. The commune is now hiring machinery to dig a pit and preparing a large tarp. This will facilitate pulling the whale ashore for burial, honoring the traditions of local coastal communities.

Many local residents gathered on the beach to watch authorities pull the whale ashore for burial on the afternoon of March 20. Photo: Hung Le

Vietnam's coastal areas, including Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Da Nang, have previously reported whales washing ashore. Fishermen commonly retrieve and bury these animals for worship, often calling whales "ca ong" (lord fish).

Duc Hung