(JP) 10 whales beach in Ibaraki; seven returned to sea

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10 whales beach in Ibaraki; seven returned to sea

 

MITO, Ibaraki Pref. (Kyodo) Ten whales were found

washed ashore Sunday morning in Hasaki, Ibaraki

Prefecture, seven of which were pushed back to sea by

about 30 local residents, police said.

 

The 10 whales measuring 2 to 3 meters long were

spotted by residents near the town's beach at around

8:30 a.m., the police said, adding that three of the

whales were already dead.

 

The Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium, due to open

next month, will determine the species of the beached

whales as well as investigate the cause of death, they

said.

 

Aquarium officials speculated that the group of whales

had either strayed into shallow waters while chasing

prey or had lost their way after their hearing

faculties were hampered by parasites.

 

In February 2001, some 50 melon-headed whales beached

themselves near the town. Surfers and other people

helped return about half of them to the sea.

 

The Japan Times: Feb. 25, 2002

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