UK beachgoers make tragic discovery as stranded 'dolphin' turns out to be rare mammal

Beachgoers strolling along a Norfolkcoastline made a tragic discovery when they stumbled upon what they first believed was a dolphin.

But on closer examination, they realised it wasn't actually a dead dolphin on Hunstanton Beach, but rather a deceased whale - an extremely rare Sowerby's Beaked whale.

This aquatic creature is exceptionally uncommon, with the whales typically hunting deep sea fish and squid whilst living their lives hundreds of metres below the ocean's surface.

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The mammals are so scarce there are believed to be just around 500 remaining on Earth, with that figure tragically falling by one following this latest discovery.

After the whale's heartbreaking death, a comprehensive investigation was launched once Hunstanton Coastguard were alerted to the beach incident.

In a statement regarding the August 6 incident, Hunstanton Coastguard said: "Team tasked to a possible whale or dolphin washed ashore. On arrival, it was clear from the size that this was not a dolphin.

"Bystanders reported that they had tried to help the mammal back into the sea. Having requested en route the attendance of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, we were soon joined by three of their members.

"They quickly ascertained that the whale was in fact dead and identified it as a Sowerby's Beaked whale; a rare species for this area."

The spokesperson also provided details about the coastguard's assessment of the whale. They added: "Together we examined the whale, looking in particular for any injuries that might establish the cause of death.

"The whale was also measured and all relevant data was subsequently used to complete the Fishes Royal form. As darkness fell, the examination was called off, being unsafe to continue. BDMLR returned the following day to continue their examination.

"Upon return to the station, all kit was thoroughly cleaned due to the possible presence of marine bacteria and bodily fluids."

British Divers Marine Life Rescue were also at the scene, examining the female whale and emphasising the significance of such incidents.

Their spokesperson explained: "This week, a female Sowerby's beaked whale - a rarely seen, deep-diving ocean species - was discovered stranded on the mud of a Norfolk beach.

"Very little is known about them, which is why every stranding matters. Pending necessary permissions, Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme may be able to carry out a necropsy to better understand this individual's life and cause of death.

"These types of strandings are rare, but serve as a reminder of the hidden lives in our oceans."