Whale shark found dead in Surigao del Norte

MANILA, Philippines - A 24-foot whale shark was found dead along the seashore in Barangay Pamosaingan in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte on New Year’s Day, local officials said.

Locally known as butanding, the whale shark got entangled in a fishnet off the coast of Pamosaingan.

Barangay captain Felipa Liquido said the whale shark was already dead when the owners of the fishnet, Pacquito Tatoy and his wife, saw it lying on the beach.

The couple then sought the help of fishermen to drag the whale shark ashore.

The provincial government sent a team to bury the whale shark. It was buried yesterday in Socorro town.