AREQUIPA, Peru – A Cuvier’s whale calf (Ziphius cavirostris), also known as a beaked whale, was stranded this weekend near the shore of Playa Baracoa, northwest of Havana.
The incident caused commotion among residents and visitors to the beach, who rescued the animal. However, according to a report from the state media CubadebateDespite efforts to rescue the whale, it was not possible to save it.
Firefighters, police officers and members of the Armed Forces went to the beach to remove the remains of the cetacean, in collaboration with community residents, who helped in the work.
Cuvier’s beaked whale is known for being able to reach depths of up to 3,000 meters and remain underwater for more than two hours, a rare feat in the animal kingdom. However, it is not common for them to be seen in waters as shallow as those of Playa Baracoa, which has generated speculation about the causes of their stranding.
A video published by user Carlos Rodríguez on Facebook shows the moment when authorities load the calf into a truck for later transportation. Local residents recorded and showed their surprise at the incident.
Similar sightings in Cuban waters have raised eyebrows in recent months and years. A group of fishermen, for example, accidentally captured a whale shark—the animal became entangled in their nets—in Playa Tayabacoa, Sancti Spíritus, on February 1.
The brief images of the eventshared on social networks by one of those present, were filmed on the shore of the beach. The recording showed four fishermen surprised and joking about the unusual find.
Previously, in 2022, a 13-meter whale was found dead in the Cayo Francés Wildlife Refuge, on the northern coast of Villa Clara, according to a report that appeared on social networks that has been spread by official media of the Island.
It is a Balaenoptera physalusbetter known as fin whale or fin whale. This cetacean, which can reach a length of 27 meters, is considered the second largest animal on the planet, only surpassed by the blue whale.
