Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. The Department of Marine and Fisheries (DKP) in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, alongside locals and local police officers, buried 17 pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) found dead after washing ashore at Liliweri Beach.

“There were only 17 pilot whales, not the previously reported 50,” said Saleh Goro, the Head of DKP NTT in Alor, on Sunday (8/9/2024).

Upon arrival, authorities discovered the whales floating lifelessly. Some had wounds caused by contact with sharp rocks near the shore.

The 17 whales were found scattered 10 to 15 meters apart. It is suspected that other whales were swept back to sea by the tide during the night, according to antaranews.com.

Before burial, samples from the whales were taken for analysis at a laboratory in Bali to determine the cause of death.

Saleh also noted that local authorities coordinated with marine experts to ensure proper handling of the carcasses and warned local residents not to consume the whale meat to avoid potential health risks.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)