Passersby on the northern coasts of Samos were confronted with a tragic sight when a young male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), approximately four meters long and weighing around one ton, washed ashore dead, as announced by “Archipelagos.” This particular area of the Aegean Sea serves as one of the most important migratory corridors for these ocean giants, almost throughout the entire year. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a dead young sperm whale has been found in the area, a fact that causes concern, given that the normal life expectancy of the species reaches 70 years, the organization reports.
Samos: Young sperm whale washed ashore dead
The necropsy was performed by a veterinarian experienced in cetacean necropsies, in collaboration with marine biologists and a veterinarian specialized in cetaceans. Samples have already been taken and will be sent to specialized laboratories, with the aim of identifying the exact causes of death. The death is not attributed to human-caused factors.
“Once again we warmly thank the Hellenic Rescue Team Samos Branch for their immediate and valuable cooperation, which once again proves their decisive and irreplaceable role on the island. We also thank the Municipality of Eastern Samos for their contribution,” states “Archipelagos.”
