Chantelle Bozicevic
A humpback whale was discovered dead on Rainbow Beach near Pacific Boulevard yesterday. The whale had been seen drifting a few hundred meters off the coast the previous day before washing ashore. According to a local witness, the whale appeared bloated and showed no signs of nets or injuries.
The beached whale, found on the north end of the beach, exhibited no visible signs of injury, as reported by a local resident who stumbled upon it. Authorities were immediately notified and will be investigating the cause of death.
With no apparent external trauma or entanglement in fishing nets, the exact cause of the humpback whale’s death remains unknown. Authorities have appealed to the public to report any sick, injured, or deceased dugongs, dolphins, whales, or marine turtles to the Marine Park Authority at 1300 130 372.
As investigations continue, residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant and report any relevant sightings. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible environmental practices and the collective responsibility to protect marine life and their habitats.