UPDATE: Whale carcass found floating in Hong Kong waters.

Fishermen spotted the carcass of a whale in Hong Kong’s eastern waters, reporting to authorities that the mammal was floating belly up on the surface of the sea.

Police officers, staff from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Ocean Park experts rushed to the scene, after the force received a report at 10.46am that a whale carcass had been found off Shelter Island in Sai Kung.

It is unclear if the dead mammal is a Bryde’s whale first spotted in Hong Kong waters on July 13 and recently seen with cuts on its back.

The appearance of the giant mammal enthralled spectators and intrigued experts trying to assess the reason for its visit.

By noon on Monday, vessels dispatched by police and the Marine Department had arrived at the scene. The carcass was seen drifting near the island, with at least two police boats guarding the area.

The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation said it was heading to the scene to investigate and would share updates in due course. It also “strongly” urged the public not to venture into the area.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki last Wednesday said he had asked police, the Marine Department and AFCD to step up patrols to protect the whale, citing wounds near its dorsal fin suspected to have been caused by a propeller.

Main Source: SCMP