Warning – the image below could be distressing
A dead porpoise has been discovered washed up on a beach.
The animal was spotted by a dog walker on Littlestone Beach in New Romney at around 9.30am yesterday.
Neil Sherress, who has lived in St Mary’s Bay for 10 years, said: “The weather was so bad in the morning, but I could see a shape.
“I wasn’t sure what it was. At first, I thought it was a dogfish, but as I made my way down the beach, I realised it was a lot bigger. It was about three feet long.
“It’s such a shame, you could see the damage on it. I’m not sure whether that had been where it was, and it was damaged by the shingle.
“Or whether it had been caught in nets or maybe hit by a propeller, I don’t know.
The 65-year-old reported the incident to the Coastguard.
A spokesperson said: “At 11.59am today, we were made aware of a deceased porpoise at Littlestone Beach.
“Romney Marsh Coastguard Rescue Team was sent and completed a report for the Receiver of Wreck.”
Porpoises have a similar appearance to dolphins, but are more closely related to narwhals and belugas.
