Humpback whale found dead in Maullín, Chile

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) is investigating the death of a juvenile humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that washed ashore at Mar Brava beach in Maullín.

While the specimen currently shows no obvious signs of human intervention, a specialized team from the Universidad San Sebastián of Puerto Montt and Sernapesca professionals will conduct a necropsy on Tuesday, September 29, to determine the exact cause of death. Sernapesca officials have advised beachgoers to maintain a prudent distance from the whale to protect public health and avoid interfering with the sampling process.

Authorities stated that if the necropsy confirms human involvement in the animal's death, appropriate legal actions will be taken through the Public Ministry. Whales are protected species under Chilean law, whether alive or dead.