Overview

• The roughly 3.8‑meter male stranded near Munkmarsch on Sylt and was shot after officials ruled rescue unfeasible due to its poor condition.
• ITAW in Büsum conducted the necropsy, identifying the animal as a neonate likely still dependent on its mother, with very low fat reserves.
• Samples from the carcass have been sent to the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover for analyses that researchers say will take weeks.
• Authorities say causes remain unclear, with investigations focusing on health status and other potential factors rather than a single explanation.
• SOS Dolfijn reports this is the 13th beaked‑whale find on European coasts since late July, as Sylt also logged a sperm whale in February and a minke‑type in June.