Giant Whale Shark Found Dead on Progreso Beach

Mérida, Yucatán — The lifeless body of a whale shark was discovered near the fiscal pier of Progreso on Friday afternoon, prompting a coordinated effort by municipal authorities to recover the massive marine animal.

Multi-Agency Response Ensures Safe Handling

Lifeguards from the Blue Flag Beach, along with the Tourism Directorate led by Aurea Elena Gómez, assisted in the recovery operations. Their involvement facilitated the work of biologists and other authorized personnel, ensuring the specimen was handled properly for further study while maintaining safety for beachgoers.

The Animal Control and Protection Unit, under Geovani Zapata, provided support to young researchers from the University of Yucatán’s Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program (Picmmy) during their initial examination of the whale shark. The specimen measured approximately 9.5 meters in length and 3 meters in width.

Heavy Machinery and Nighttime Operations

Machinery operators, assisted by personnel from the Public Services Lighting Division headed by Luis Estrada, managed the transportation of the whale shark’s body to its final recovery site. The operation continued into the night before concluding.

No cause of death was immediately reported, and authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the planned studies of the specimen.