10 creatures that washed ashore in 2023 (11 photos)

The endless ocean is home to many different creatures that surprise and even frighten. Some of them periodically wash ashore - this can be sad, but for specialists it is another valuable opportunity to study the species more closely. Let's take a look at the most interesting cases of marine animals washing ashore in 2023.





1. Pilot whales (or black dolphins) in Scotland



In July 2023, approximately 55 pilot whales (black-backed dolphins) stranded on a remote beach on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Local authorities tried to save the poor people for several hours, but they managed to help only one. The rest were euthanized. Researchers speculate that the flock followed a female who washed ashore while giving birth.

2. Great white shark



This great white shark was spotted on October 5 at Broad Cove Beach in Nova Scotia, Canada. At first she rushed through the shallow water, and then mysteriously found herself aground. As a result, the shark died, but after that scientists were unable to determine the cause of death.

3. Long-snouted Alepisaurus



In May, on the coast of Oregon, USA, several fish washed ashore one after another. This happened over the course of several weeks - and scientists cannot understand why healthy fish commit such suicide. In addition, these turned out to be long-snouted alepisaurs, which usually live at great depths (200-1000 meters). Scientists believe disease, stormy weather conditions or temperature shock from unusually cold waters may be to blame.

4. Globster



Globster is an unidentified organic mass that washes up on the ocean shores. In September, the remains of a white creature washed up on the coast of Simberi Island in Papua New Guinea, shocking locals and confounding scientists. The body was so badly decomposed that no one could identify it. It was clearly some kind of marine mammal.

5. Pacific football fish



A strange fish with spines on its body washed up on a beach in Southern California on October 17, 2023. It turned out to be a female Pacific football fish, Himantolophus sagamius, a rare angler fish that lives at great depths (from 600 to 1,000 meters) in the Pacific Ocean.

6Pregnant Hammerhead Shark



A pregnant hammerhead shark was found dead in April near Orange Beach in Alabama, USA. When studying, scientists discovered that she was carrying 40 cubs. The shark did not find any signs of illness, so researchers assume that it died because of the fishermen.

7. Pilot whales in Australia



In July, about 100 pilot whales stranded on Chains Beach in Western Australia. Local services tried their best to move them back into the water, but by the end of the day, 51 individuals died. A day earlier, this flock was seen in shallow water - they swam, closely huddled together. Scientists explained that pilot whales live in close social groups. Therefore, when the leaders of the pack make navigational errors or fall ill, they lead the others to the shore.

8. Shark torn in half



In October, the body of a great white shark was found torn in half on a beach in Australia. Killer whale DNA was found on it. As scientists explained, killer whales are known to sometimes attack great white sharks.

9. Pelagic largemouth shark with babies



For the first time in history, a pregnant pelagic largemouth shark has washed up on the shores of the Philippines along with its newborn pups. The bodies of the baby sharks were taken to the National Museum of the Philippines, where they are currently being studied.

10. Mysterious group of killer whales



Ashore in Chile in JuneA group of Type D killer whales stranded. This is a rare species of killer whale that has been seen twice in history. The last such case when killer whales of this species washed ashore occurred 67 years ago in New Zealand.