LIFESAVERS were called to investigate a deceased 'whale' discovered on the beach in Rhyl. 

Upon arrival, the coastguard team located a dead harbour porpoise on the beach in the area of the Sky Tower.

In a statement, Rhyl Coastguard Team said: "Following the recent strong winds, high tides and rough seas, it is not unusual for a wide range of unusual things to be washed up and dumped on our beaches. These items can range from general rubbish through to historical ordnance being uncovered or deceased royal fish being left by the ebbing tide.

"At 10.50pm on Friday (April 19) we were requested to attend Rhyl Beach to investigate a deceased 'whale' which would be classed as a royal fish or fishes royal.

"Upon arrival and a very quick search we sadly located a deceased harbour porpoise on the beach in the area of the Sky Tower.

"Following taking a range of measurements and recording details, we returned to station and forwarded our findings to the Natural History Museum, London.

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"Arrangements were made for Denbighshire County Council to be contacted in the morning for disposal."

Fishes Royal (or Royal Fish) are deceased cetaceans and sturgeons that have been stranded on the UK’s shores. They are called Royal Fish because they are a Royal Prerogative and the Crown (or grantee) has the right to claim them. 

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Royal Fish include all whales, porpoises, dolphins, and sturgeons.

By reporting Royal Fish to HM Coastguard, readers will support scientific research into the health of whale, porpoise, dolphin, and sturgeon populations as well as the wider marine ecosystem.