PHOTOS: Beach Burial for Whale Washed Ashore on Block Island

PHOTOS: Beach Burial for Whale Washed Ashore on Block Island

As GoLocal reported this weekend, a dead whale washed ashore on Block Island.

Now, the town has buried it.

On Monday, Block Island resident and photographer Steve Miller snapped the scene just north of Fred Benson Town Beach.

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“The smell is apparent even driving by,” said Mille. “The poor creature is pretty ripe. I hope they are able to get it into the hole and covered.”

“It is a very sad thing to see, the Humpback is not even near fully grown,” said Miller, who added he thinks he may have witnessed it alive in the ocean earlier in the week, feeding with its mother.

 

GoLocal reached out to Town Manager Amy Land for comment on the developments.

"We work with partners at Mystic Aquarium to ensure data and samples are collected first and to guide an appropriate disposal plan.  Each situation is of course unique.  Burial minimizes the risk of reappearance at another location and is the most effective approach for this circumstance," said Land. "A local operator has been contracted for the burial, which was just completed."

"We appreciate the public's assistance in staying clear of the area and following guidance from local officials," added Land.