Whale Shark Stranding in Batangas
A whale shark died after becoming stranded in shallow waters in Balayan, Batangas, despite rescue efforts by the Philippine Coast Guard and local officials on May 25. The four-word keyphrase “whale shark dies after” highlights the unfortunate outcome of this marine incident.
Reports indicate that a concerned citizen alerted authorities near midnight about the presence of a whale shark stuck close to the shoreline of Barangay 10. The creature measured roughly 13.8 feet long and 2.95 feet wide.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Early assessments by local experts showed signs of extreme exhaustion in the whale shark, raising serious concerns about its condition. Teams from the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, and the fisheries office worked together to guide the whale shark back into deeper waters.
Despite multiple attempts, the whale shark repeatedly returned to the shallow areas. The rescue teams struggled to keep the animal from stranding again, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Final Outcome and Monitoring
After several hours, the whale shark was found lifeless near the shore at 5 a.m. Its remains were handed over to the municipal fisheries office for proper handling in line with local regulations.
The Coast Guard continues to monitor marine life welfare in the region and urges the public to report any sightings of stranded or distressed animals. Swift reporting helps ensure timely and appropriate response to protect marine creatures.
For more news and updates on marine wildlife incidents, visit Filipinokami.com.