Scientists solve case of mysterious animals found on shoreline

BATHERS were shocked and confused following the discovery of a strange creature washed up on the beach of La Mata, Costa Blanca, but now, a biologist has confirmed the remains belong to a bluefin tuna.

Following analysis of the remains, the local biologist identified the creature, which was in an advanced state of decomposition.

It is not the first time unusual findings have prompted the imagination of people and the possible existence of mythical creatures.

Two summers ago a decapitated cow was found further up the coast on the edge of the Arenales del Sol beach which was in such an advanced state of decomposition it was difficult to identify the creature. Also in 2013 a ‘sea monster’ was found on El Campello beach which was six metres in length and appeared to have horns. 

A similar but smaller specimen had appeared a month before on a beach in Almeria, which prompted interest from national and international media. Following the discovery of El Campello, the Institut d’Ecologia Litoral investigated the ‘sea monster’ to solve its mystery and concluded that everything indicated that it was the skeletal remains of a basking shark, a species classified as vulnerable.