Public urged to keep away from carcass of 30-tonne fin whale on Yorkshire beach

The colossal animal was spotted in difficulty in the sea before it died on Tuesday
Fin whale washed up in Bridlington
Visitors have been visiting Bridlington beach in East Yorkshire to see the carcass of a 55ft fin whale
PA

People are being urged to stay away from the carcass of a 55ft whale that died this week after washing up on a Yorkshire beach.

Contractors are hoping they can remove the fin whale’s carcass from popular tourist spot Bridlington beach without having to cut it up.

The 30-tonne animal was spotted getting into difficulties in the sea at Bridlington, East Yorkshire, earlier this week, and died on Tuesday.

Since then the huge carcass has become something of a macabre tourist attraction with families coming travelling to see it - and some visitors taking selfies beside it.

Fin whale washed up in Bridlington
PA

There were concerns that the whale would have to be dissected to remove it from the beach, but East Riding of Yorkshire Council has said it is now hoping to move it in one piece.

A council spokesman said on Thursday: “Over the next couple of days we will be working with our contractors in an attempt to move the whale away from the beach whole, and we are liaising with zoological experts over the cause of this sad incident.

“To help us, some roads and slipways will be closed, and we’d ask the public to please bear with us.

“This is a very challenging operation and the largest of its kind we have dealt with.

“The body has moved slightly down the beach overnight because of the tide.

“There will be a cordon and we are urging people to please stay away from the whale for health reasons, to help us deal with the situation, and also out of respect.”

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