World’s second-largest shark found dead near Ålbæk Harbour

DR reports that a 4.85-metre basking shark was found dead on Saturday, one kilometre north of Ålbæk Harbour, about a half-hour drive from Skagen.

Staff from Nordsøen Oceanarium will examine the shark together with the Natural History Museum of Denmark to determine its cause of death and collect samples for research.

“When an animal such as a basking shark has unfortunately died, it is important that we have the opportunity to examine it and preserve samples,” said chief biologist Kristina Ydesen.

The find could contribute to knowledge about the conservation of the species, she said.

The basking shark is the world’s second-largest living shark species. According to Denmark’s National Lexicon, it can grow to more than 10 metres long. It is recognisable by its large gill slits and very small teeth, and can weigh up to 400 kilograms.

The species feeds by filtering plankton and small organisms from seawater and is seen periodically in Danish waters. According to TV2 Nord, beachgoers spotted the shark near the water’s edge early on Saturday morning.