A massive dead baleen whale, about 56 feet long and 16 feet wide, washed ashore on Kuakata beach in Patuakhali on Monday, June 29, 2026. The whale was first spotted around noon near Kauar Char Basudha Island by a local tour guide, who alerted volunteers and the Forest Department. Officials later arrived at the site and confirmed the discovery.

Preliminary observations suggest the whale may have died about a week earlier, though the exact cause remains unknown. According to the Kuakata Dolphin Conservation Committee, similar incidents occurred in 2018, 2022, and earlier in June 2026, raising concern over repeated strandings of whales, dolphins, and turtles. Experts from Patuakhali Science and Technology University identified the species as a baleen whale and noted that environmental changes, food scarcity, disease, ship collisions, or ocean currents could be factors.

Forest officials buried the decomposing carcass to prevent odor and public health hazards. Local authorities emphasized the need for scientific research and preservation of the skeleton for future study.