Coastguard issues warning after dead whale washes up on UK beach as Storm Boelo batters Brits

A dead whale was found washed up on a UK beach as storms battered the coastline, prompting the Coastguard to issue a warning. The young northern bottlenose whale was discovered on Flimby beach in Cumbria. Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team attended and found that the animal had already died. Northern bottlenose whales usually live in the deep waters of the North Atlantic. They can dive more than 1,400 metres and remain underwater for up to two hours, feeding largely on deep-water squid.

The discovery prompted the Coastguard to warn people to stay away from the carcass, as it “may have toxins that can pass to humans”. To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed. The team also advised people to take care near the water while Storm Boelo was “still going strong”.

Rescuers took measurements when it was safe to approach the whale and passed the details to their operations room in Belfast. The Coastguard urged anyone who spots a stranded whale or porpoise to leave it alone and report it as soon as possible, even if they are unsure whether it is alive. The Coastguard added: “Gathering round the animal will intensify their distress, and it is possible for disease to be passed to humans.” British Divers Marine Life Rescue also warns people not to push a live whale back into the water.

The animal may be ill or too weak to swim away and could need treatment first. Returning it to the sea without an assessment could prolong its suffering. Government guidance warns that approaching a stranded animal can put people at risk of injury or disease. The warning came as Cumbria faced dangerous conditions from Storm Boelo, which followed Storm Austen. An amber warning for wind was issued for parts of Cumbria as the storm wept across the county.

Areas around Carlisle and Whitehaven were among those covered, with gusts of 60 to 70mph forecast across the warning area and up to 80mph possible in exposed coastal spots. The Met Office warned that the winds could bring down trees, damage buildings and disrupt travel. Flood warnings were also issued along stretches of the Cumbrian coast overnight, including the area around Flimby, Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven. They were removed on Sunday morning.