Fishermen in Ras Al Khaimah discovered a colossal, approximately 35-meter-long dead baleen whale off the coast. Nukhadha Humaid Al Zaabi, a local fisherman, spotted the whale during his morning sea trip, about 8 kilometers from Al Jazeera Al Hamra Creek.
He captured photos and videos of the massive whale, speculating that it may have perished from age, a ship collision, or an encounter with a killer whale.
Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, director-general of the Emirate’s Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA), confirmed the whale’s sighting three days prior, when it was about 30 kilometers away and gradually approaching the shore. EPDA is monitoring the situation and will take action upon the carcass’s arrival onshore.
It remains uncertain whether the mammal is indeed a baleen whale due to its decomposed condition. Experts will make a definitive determination about the whale’s type once it reaches the coast.