Dozens of Whales Stranded on Rote Ndao Beach, Conservation Team Investigates the Cause

Residents watch a number of whales stranded in Rote Ndao waters. ANTARA/HO-BKKPN.

KUPANG - The Kupang National Water Conservation Area Office has sent a team to Mbadokai Beach, Deranitan Village, West Rote Sub-district, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to identify a number of marine mammals of the whale type that were reported to have been stranded in the area.

The head of the Kupang National Water Conservation Area Office, Imam Fauzi, said the team had been deployed to the location to ensure the number and condition of the beached whales.

"We have sent a team to the location to identify the number of whales," said Imam Fauzi in Kupang, Antara, Tuesday, March 10.

He explained, the initial report on the stranded whale was received since Monday. The incident occurred in the waters of Rote Ndao Regency. The incident attracted the attention of the surrounding residents and became a spectacle for the public because it was rare in the area.

Based on the initial report from the Rote Ndao Navy Base, the number of beached whales is said to have reached 50. However, according to Imam, this figure still needs to be confirmed.

"If the number is 50 heads it is too big. The team is still conducting identification," he said.

However, from the interim report it is known that at least 11 whales have been found dead at the location. While some other whales are still alive but in critical condition due to injuries.

Regarding the cause of the incident, Imam said that his party was still investigating.

BKKPN has also asked for the help of veterinarians in Rote Ndao to conduct a necropsy to find out the cause of the whales' deaths.

"For now, the exact cause is still unknown why many whales are stranded," he said.

He added that when they were first discovered, fishermen and local residents had tried to drive the whales back to deeper waters. However, the effort was difficult.