Dead minke whale found washed up County Derry beach
The minke whale was discovered on the Portstewart Strand on Sunday evening
A dead whale has washed up on a County Derry beach.
The large minke whale,was discovered on the Portstewart Strand on Sunday evening.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “This has been reported to DAERA and we will be working with a range of agencies and marine mammal experts to determine next steps.”
The National Trust have urged the public to keep a safe distance from the dead mammal.
"Until this process is safely complete, we urge the public to continue to follow all signage and keep a safe distance,” added the spokesperson.
"Please also continue to keep dogs on leads and under tight control. Decaying marine mammals pose a serious health risk.
"They can carry a range of diseases that are transmissible to humans and dogs. "Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Minke whales are one of the smallest species of baleen whale, growing up to around 33 feet in length.
They are regularly seen off the coastline.