Lost porpoise found on Finnish coast dies

A porpoise that strayed into the Ostrobothnia region in western Finland has died, according to a local fisherman who spoke to Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The animal was discovered in poor condition on Saturday near Västerö in the municipality of Maxmo, said Benjamin Holmkvist, a recreational fisherman from Vörå. “While waiting for the vet, it died,” Holmkvist told Yle.

The porpoise has since been transported to the Finnish Food Authority’s facilities in Seinäjoki for examination.

The porpoise was first spotted in late April in the Gulf of Bothnia, an unusual location as the species typically inhabits the Baltic Sea. Earlier reports indicated the animal had developed skin lesions from exposure to freshwater, and rescue operations were considered around May Day.