Suspected Whale Carcass Discovered in Sai Kung, Investigation Underway by AFCD and Ocean Park Teams

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) received a referral from 1823 this morning (January 29) regarding the discovery of a suspected whale carcass in Ham Tin Wan, Sai Kung. The AFCD staff, together with personnel from Ocean Park Hong Kong and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, immediately attended the scene for investigation.

Preliminary assessment indicates that the carcass measured approximately 11 metres in length. Due to the severe decomposition, a necropsy cannot be further conducted to determine the cause of death. Staff are working to dispose of the carcass and clean up the area as quickly as possible, with completion expected tomorrow. Meanwhile, members of the public should avoid approaching the area to prevent hindering the disposal process and causing danger.

The deceased whale was not a local species. It is preliminarily believed to be a baleen whale. Based on the degree of decomposition of the carcass, it is estimated to have been dead for some time. It is believed that the carcass drifted into the waters of Ham Tin Wan from the open seas.

According to records, baleen whales are distributed almost globally across oceans, with different species inhabiting distinct waters. Baleen whales typically forage in the cold, high-latitude waters around the Arctic and Antarctic during the summer. In the winter, they migrate to warmer, low-latitude or tropical waters for breeding and nurturing their young.

The AFCD urges the public to report any whale sightings or stranded cetaceans immediately by calling 1823 or using the 1823 mobile application. Members of the public are reminded to maintain a safe distance from cetaceans, and prioritise personal safety to avoid dangerous situations.

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Photo source: reference image

Traffic accident in Tai Po

The Highways Department (HyD) received a report at around 11pm last night (May 16) that a broken tree branch had fallen onto Yuen Sin Road towards Tolo Highway in Tai Po, and an accident had happened with a motorcyclist travelling along the road crashing into the fallen branch. The motorcyclist was confirmed deceased after being sent to the hospital. The HyD is saddened by the incident and expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Upon receipt of the report, the HyD immediately conducted a site inspection confirming that the tree involved was an Acacia tree under its purview, and the broken branch was approximately 8 metres long with a diameter of about 0.15 metres. Based on preliminary assessment, it is believed that the branch suddenly fractured at a position with internal decay due to rain and gusting winds. The exact cause of the branch failure is subject to further detailed inspection.

The HyD's contractor previously conducted pre-wet season routine inspections in early March and mid-April 2026, and the tree concerned was assessed as being in fair condition with no abnormalities observed. The HyD will finish inspecting all trees on the slope involved and on nearby slopes today (May 17). Should any problematic trees be identified, removal will be arranged immediately to ensure public safety.

Source: AI-found images