Rotting whale carcass removed from Sai Kung's Ham Tin Wan beach

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) completed the disposal of a decomposing baleen whale carcass and cleaned Ham Tin Wan beach on Friday after it was discovered last Saturday.

AFCD staff in protective gear used heavy machinery at the West Dam of High Island Reservoir during the day yesterday to handle and remove the carcass.

The department uploaded photos on social media showing the operation. 

It reminded the public to report any live whale sightings or stranded cetaceans immediately via 1823 or the 1823 mobile app while keeping a safe distance for personal safety.

The AFCD earlier identified the dead whale as a baleen whale, not a local species, likely deceased for some time, and drifted from the open sea to the area.

Baleen whales are distributed across global oceans, with different species having distinct habitats. 

They typically feed in high-latitude cold waters (Arctic or Antarctic) during summer and migrate to warmer low-latitude or tropical waters for breeding and nursing in winter.