By John Rey Saavedra

LIFELESS. Officials and residents of Getafe, Bohol, watch a dead sperm whale washed ashore near Banacon Island on Monday (Dec. 16, 2024). Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas issued an advisory urging residents to avoid close contact with the dead sea mammal for safety reasons. (Photo courtesy of Getafe MDRRMO)

CEBU CITY – Residents of Banacon Island, off the southern town of Getafe in Bohol province, have been advised to avoid close contact with the carcass of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) for safety reasons, a fisheries official said Wednesday.

Mario Ruinata, regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Central Visayas, issued the advisory after a 14.40-meter-long sperm whale was found dead drifting near the island. 

The whale had a girth of 6 meters, a fluke measuring 2.6 meters, and flippers of 1.23 meters.

“The public is advised to avoid the carcass for safety reasons. Decaying animal remains may harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens that could pose health risks,” Ruinata said.

An initial investigation by BFAR, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the local government of Getafe revealed significant injuries in the whale’s ventral region (abdomen). 

Ruinata noted that further investigation may be needed to determine the exact cause of death. 

He urged residents to stay away from the area for safety reasons, until appropriate protocols are implemented. (PNA)