A huge minke whale has been found washed up on a North Ayrshire beach. The discovery was made around 2pm today when Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team were called to reports of an animal carcass on Stevenston Beach.
Volunteers attended, with residents also having spotted the dead mammal's body lying on the shoreline.
Footage taken at the scene, which was shared with the Record by local Catherine Hampton, 44, shows waves crashing over the whale's limp body. It is understood recovery is still taking place this evening by North Ayrshire Council, which is responsible for the removal of whales under 25 feet long.
Local residents are being urged to avoid the area 'due to the condition of the carcass'. Catherine said: "I was walking along the beach with my mum and saw the coastguards. I was obviously curious as to what was going on.
"The tide was in at that point so we were told not to go too close. As far as I’m aware the coastguard is still there with it. I've never seen anything like this before."
A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: "We are aware that a minke whale carcass has washed up on Stevenston beach.
"We are responsible for removal and disposal of whales under 25 ft long and plans are underway to arrange this ASAP. Due to the condition of the carcass, please stay away from area surrounding it."
Minke whales measure an average of 8.35m for males and 8.9m for females, but can grow to longer than 10m, and usually live for up to 50 years. The Coastguard has been contacted for comment.
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