Dead whale washes back up on Norfolk beach

People and their pets have been advised to keep away from the body of a whale which has washed up on a beach.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was called out to Snettisham in Norfolk on Sunday 11 August after a pilot whale was stranded near the shore.

However, after close monitoring and attempts from a group of paddleboarders and kayakers to guide the young female whale north, it died.

The RSPB which owns the beach said it was aware of the situation.

The BDMLR believed the young whale had got separated from a larger pod but was in a "really poor condition" and said it would not have found its way back to sea.

Julia Cable from BDMLR said the whale had been "really really skinny" with severe sunburn and was deteriorating "quickly".

"Unfortunately the whale washed in and has ended up quite high on the beach, it is likely to remain there until either the land owner or a high tide takes it away.

"The Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme will perform necropsies on animals they can get to within a short period of time, and they would arrange disposal after that, however that was not possible this time so the whale was left in situ," she said.

The RSPB who are looking into the issue confirmed the whale had washed up onto Snettisham Beach.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking at the options with the relevant authorities. In the meantime, we advise people and pets to keep away."

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.