A 40-foot carcass of a Bryde’s Whale washed up the coast of South Mumbai in Colaba during high tide on Monday, reports NDTV.

The whale, found in two pieces one 26 feet long and the other 14 feet long, was heavily decomposed.

Locals living in Colaba’s Navy Nagar informed BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) officials about spotting the carcass on Monday morning after a stench was emanating from the seaside.

BMC officials contacted state Forest Department officials who reached the spot to remove the carcass and investigate the cause of death.

A preliminary probe says that the whale may have died two to three weeks ago.

The fact that it was found in two parts raises the suspicion that could have been injured after colliding with a ship.

Samples of the mammal have been sent for examination to identify the cause of death.

Bryde’s whale which can be commonly found in Arabian Sea is protected under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and can measure upto 50 feet.

This latest incident comes five months after a 45-foot-long carcass of a Bryde’s Whale had washed ashore in two parts at Juhu and Madh beaches.