Dead 45-Foot Baleen Whale Washes Ashore Near Kuakata, Stirring Concern along Coast

Zakir Hossin: A massive dead whale, believed to be a baleen whale, has been found floating in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Kuakata, drawing widespread attention from local residents, environmental activists, and marine researchers. Members of a local environmental organization confirmed the sighting on Wednesday morning after receiving reports from water-bike operators working near the beach. According to witnesses, the whale was spotted approximately two kilometers offshore from Kuakata's Zero Point. The carcass is estimated to be between 40 and 45 feet (12–14 meters) in length and appears to have been dead for several days. K.M. Bacchu, convener of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement, said his team reached the location by speedboat and observed the whale floating in open waters. “The whale was located about two kilometers from Zero Point. Based on its condition, we estimate it died around five to six days ago. Depending on ocean currents and weather conditions, it may take some time before the carcass reaches the shoreline,” he said. Officials from the local forest department have also been informed of the incident. Monir Hossain said field officers were monitoring the situation and that necessary measures would be taken following consultations with higher authorities. Marine researchers say the exact cause of death cannot be determined through visual observation alone. Md. Bakhtiar Rahman, a researcher working under a marine conservation initiative jointly implemented by Wildlife Conservation Society and WorldFish, noted that several factors could have contributed to the whale's death. Possible causes include vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, disease, marine pollution, food scarcity, age-related weakness, or other natural factors. He emphasized that a necropsy and detailed scientific examination would be required to determine the actual cause. Environmental advocates have urged authorities to preserve the carcass, collect biological samples, and conduct scientific investigations. They argue that such incidents can provide valuable insights into the health of marine ecosystems and the status of biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal. While stranded dolphins and whales are occasionally reported along the Bay of Bengal coastline, experts say the appearance of a baleen whale of this size near Kuakata is a relatively rare occurrence and warrants further scientific attention.