Giant whale found dead in central Vietnam
VOV.VN - A dead whale weighing approximately four tonnes has been discovered washed up on a beach in the central province of Quang Nam.
The body of the dead whale has been left stranded ashore in Binh Nam commune and was found by local people at around 17:00 on March 15, said Nguyen Dang Nhat, a local official.
The whale, which is roughly 8 metres in length and more than four tonnes in weight, is currently in the decomposition process, said Nhat.
This is the largest dead whale to ever be found in Quang Nam, and the animal is now set to be buried under traditional rituals.
It is customary for residents of coastal areas in Vietnam to believe that whales help fishermen who are at sea, therefore they often rescue the animal when they run aground or bury dead them in solemn ceremonies.
All along the Vietnamese coast, whales are revered as bringers of good fortune for those at sea. Temples and festivals worshipping the creatures are commonly found in communities close to the sea.