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Six-ton whale taken from Truong Sa to Ly Son island for burial

Friday, April 18, 2014

On Sunday morning, a fisherman from Ly Son Island, in Quang Ngai Province, towed a 12-meter long dead whale from Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands to Ly Son for burial.

The fisherman, Truong Minh Ky, found the dead whale floating on the surface of the waters of Truong Sa on Thursday. He cut his trip short in order to bring the whale to his home island for burial.

The 6 ton cetacean arrived at Ly Son Island Sunday morning, and a specialized crane was used to drag the carcass out of the water and onto shore, says Mr. Duong Minh Nhut, Deputy Chair of An Hai Commune on Ly Son.

The creature was given a ritual burial in accordance with the beliefs of the local fishermen. Local people donated money for the interment of the whale, which they believe to be the God of the Sea.

According to Nhut, after five years, locals will excavate the skeleton and take it to the village temple to worship. At present, many whale skeletons are being worshipped at temples on the island.

Ly Son Island District has dozens of whale tombs. The biggest one is Tan Tomb in East Village, An Vinh Commune. It is home to many whale skeletons dating back over 200 years, and houses the largest whale skeleton on the island.

Dr. Nguyen Dang Vu, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ngai, says Ly Son Island District may well be considered “the museum of whale skeletons of Vietnam”.