Watch: The rotting carcass of a 10 metre whale shocked beachgoers on the Costa del Sol

Residents in Torrox were the ones who first spotted the remains on Ferrara beach on Tuesday afternoon.

The carcass, which was in a state of advanced decomposition and partially submerged, made for an unusual and striking sight on the usually calm beach.

The local authorities were quickly alerted by passersby, and municipal workers arrived with heavy machinery in order to safely remove the huge animal.

Experts say it is ‘almost certainly’ a fin whale, though the decayed condition makes exact identification tricky.

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Juan Antonio Lopez, an expert from the locality, told SUR in an interview that the jaw shape and size indicate it’s a young fin-whale, probably between 10 and 15 year old. It measures approximately nine to ten meters without its tail.

Some specialists are cautious and point out that the advanced state of decomposition can make identification difficult.

Others suggested that it was a beaked-whale, which highlights the uncertainty created by the missing body parts and discoloured tissues.

The last recorded whale sighting in Torrox was in July 2007, and this is a rare occurrence on the Axarquia Coast.

These incidents are often caused by illnesses, disorientation or collisions with vessels.

Locals and tourists stopped to marvel at the whale’s size and take pictures.

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Officials from the city warned residents not to approach or touch stranded animal, explaining that it can be dangerous. They also confirmed that the remains had been taken to Torrox Recycling Centre for safe disposal.

Authorities stressed that it is important to alert environmental services in these situations, as this will ensure public safety and the proper handling of a marine creature.

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