Tons-Heavy Sperm Whale Found Dead Near Sylt Undergoes Dissection

The 14.3-meter whale, retrieved from the North Sea, is being examined to determine its cause of death while precautions are taken due to explosion risks.

The dead sperm whale, weighing 10-15 tons and measuring 14.3 meters, was discovered near Hörnum, Sylt, and brought ashore by Muschelfishers and heavy machinery.
Experts are dissecting the whale to transport its remains to a rendering plant in Jagel, Schleswig, where further analysis will be conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover.
Authorities have cordoned off the area due to the risk of the whale exploding from pressurized gases accumulating during decomposition.
Researchers aim to uncover the whale's cause of death, with theories suggesting it may have become disoriented in the shallow North Sea, a common issue for deep-diving species like sperm whales.
The whale's massive size and decomposition process have posed logistical and safety challenges during its recovery and dissection.