The whale, an endangered species known for its appearance in Moby-Dick, was first spotted near Songdo’s shoreline on the morning of April 4. (Image provided by Yeosu Maritime Police Station)
Gwangyang, South Korea, April 8 (Korea Bizwire) — A rare sperm whale has made an unexpected return to the shallow coastal waters off Gwangyang Port in South Jeolla Province, prompting heightened monitoring efforts by South Korean marine authorities.
The whale, an endangered species known for its appearance in Moby-Dick, was first spotted near Songdo’s shoreline on the morning of April 4. Initially guided back to open waters by the Coast Guard, the 15-meter-long whale reappeared near the coast that evening and has remained in the area for four consecutive days—an unusual behavior for a deep-sea species.
“This is the first recorded instance of a live sperm whale entering a bay so completely,” said Dr. Kim Sora of the National Institute of Fisheries Science’s Whale Research Center. “It’s difficult to determine why the animal has come so close to shore.”
Known as the largest of the toothed whales, sperm whales—also called cachalots—typically dwell in deep ocean waters. Their appearance in nearshore environments is exceedingly rare, especially in semi-enclosed bays like the one near Gwangyang Port, where the water depth peaks at only 13 meters and extends just 4 kilometers out to sea.
Experts are currently investigating whether the whale may be disoriented or suffering from health issues. Meanwhile, marine authorities have restricted nearby vessel traffic and are continuing efforts to guide the whale back to open waters.
While sperm whales have occasionally been spotted along Korea’s coastline in the past, researchers say this case is particularly notable due to the whale’s extended stay in a shallow bay—raising both scientific curiosity and concern for the animal’s well-being. Further updates are expected as monitoring continues.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
