Whale shark stranded in shallow waters in Batangas dies

A whale shark that died in Batangas. Handout/Coast Guard Sub-Station Balayan

MANILA -- A whale shark that found itself stranded in a shallow part of the sea died early Sunday morning in Batangas. 

The whale shark, which measured 13.8 feet in length and 2.95 feet in width, swam its way to the shallow area of Barangay 10 in Balayan. 

The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog said authorities received a report from a resident regarding the whale's presence near the shore around midnight. 

Personnel from concerned authorities tried to guide the whale shark back to the sea, but despite their attempts it kept swimming back to the shore. 

By 5 a.m., the whale shark eventually died. Based on assessment, the shark showed signs of extreme exhaustion. 

In accordance with local regulations, the whale shark’s remains were turned over to the Municipal Fisheries Office for proper burial processing.