Fin Whales Disappeared Beyond the Waves, "Now May They Live Long in the Sea"

The sperm whale leaves the Gwangyang coast after five days

The sperm whale, which had been lingering along the coast of Gwangyang, Jeonnam and causing concern among citizens, swam back toward the open sea after five days.

According to Yeosu Coast Guard and the National Institute of Fisheries Science Whale Research Center on the 9th, the sperm whale turned toward the crude oil pier at Gwangyang Port at around 7:50 a.m. that day and moved away from the coast. As of 10:14 a.m., the whale was confirmed to have traveled to a point about 3 km southeast of Shindeok Beach in Yeosu, where the water is approximately 20 meters deep.

The Coast Guard monitored the whale's route and "escorted" it as it moved. Although wounds were observed on the whale's back, the Whale Research Center explained that these were burns caused by prolonged exposure to the surface and are expected to heal naturally. A representative from the center stated, "We hope the whale will not return to the coast and will live healthily in the open sea."

A humpback whale appearing off the coast of Gwangyang, Jeonnam, is surfacing above the water. Photo by Yeosu Coast Guard

Previously, this whale was first spotted near the Songdo coast of Gwangyang Port at 9:48 a.m. on the 4th. It appeared to head out to the open sea at around 1:30 p.m., but returned to the coast at 6:30 p.m. the same day and remained there for five days.

This sperm whale, estimated to be over 15 meters long and also known as "hyangyugorae," is an internationally protected species and the largest of the toothed whales. Amid concerns about its health, the Coast Guard and marine authorities held response meetings and carried out guidance activities.

The Coast Guard is also considering the possibility that the whale may return to the coast. They have urged vessels to be cautious for navigational safety and requested citizens to report any whale sightings immediately.