MUSCAT — A fully matured sperm whale, which washed up dead on the Darsait beach yesterday, caused intrigue among environmental agencies and excitement among the public.

The whale measuring between 6-8 metres and weighing several tonnes was spotted early yesterday. The animal could have been dead for more than one week, experts opined. It is unusual for such sperm whales to be found in shallow part of Oman’s coastline as they are deep ocean-going mammals found only in waters with a depth of over 1,000 metres. (read full story)

Braving traffic and chilly weather, I went with my daughter today morning to see the spectacle. The whole place had a crowded look with families and individuals dropping in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the giant mammal. My colleague just updated me that authorities had managed to pull out the whale to the shore, and it will be buried after taking some samples.