A whale carcass has been sighted floating within Vaavu atoll.
Speaking to AVAS, V. Atoll Council President Shujau Ali said what is believed to be a 25-foot "blue whale" was floating within the atoll. He said the information had been relayed to the police, the Fisheries Ministry, and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). He added that the three agencies are assisting in taking action regarding the fish.
The carcass is expected to wash up on the uninhabited island Madangiri, which lies between V. Thinadhoo and V. Felidhoo. The council is closely monitoring the situation.
Shujau shared a video of the carcass on social media. He said the council is entertaining the idea of displaying the skeleton for tourist viewing. He said the council would work with relevant authorities to decide how to move forward.
'If the carcass washes up on an uninhabited island, it would have a powerful stench while its flesh dries and when you attempt to retrieve its structure. We have to take this into consideration. However, it remains true that the structure of such a fish is beneficial,' he said.
Some people from Vaanu atoll said the large whale species is somewhat commonly sighted in the atoll.
