Britons issued urgent warning to avoid popular UK beach until further notice
An image of a beach in Kent
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Britons have been issued with an urgent warning to avoid a popular beach until further notice.
Coastguards put out the warning after making a heartbreaking discovery.
The body of a 30-foot minke whale was found washed up on the shore of a beach in Kent yesterday evening.
The discovery comes with an additional quicksand warning in the area surrounding the creature.
An image of a minke whale washed up on a beach in Kent back in 2015
PA
Common minke whales, which inhabit the North Sea and parts of the Channel, can weigh as much as 5,600 kilograms.
HM Coastguard said: "The Romney Marsh Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked to an object floating on the water edge at St Mary's Bay.
"Once the object had been located it was confirmed to be a deceased whale.
"Further investigations were carried out to record statistics of the animal for future analysis.
A minke whale
PA
"The whale was also determined to be a Minke Whale.
"Possible further investigations will take place to determine how best to remove the animal from the beach.
"In the meantime, it is strongly advised NOT to venture out to the animal due to the deep mud (otherwise known as quicksand) between the animal and the shoreline."
The balaenoptera acutorostrata, which is the smallest and most abundant of baleen whales, was discovered by Romney Marsh local Paul Crawford.
The young minke whale trapped in Fraserburgh harbour, Aberdeenshire.
PA
He told Kent Online: "I felt humbled to see it. But I also felt a bit of sadness.
"They’re such beautiful and amazing animals."
The discovery comes shortly after dozens of starry smooth-hound sharks were found washed up on a beach in north Wales.
Beachgoers were again warned not to touch the five kilogram animals.