Parts of dead sperm whale sought as 'trophies'

Jan 27 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

COASTGUARD staff were asked last night to remove the teeth and lower jawbone of a washed up whale after it was targeted by trophy- hunters.

The 10-metre-long male sperm whale was discovered just off a beach near Beadnell, Northumberland early on Monday morning.

The Journal has been told by coastguards they are aware local people and others from outside Northumberland hope to get a tooth from the whale as a souvenir or to sell it.

Three men from County Durham travelled to the beach at around 3am yesterday seemingly intent on removing teeth.

They were, however, stopped by a cordon being manned by a coastguard team from Seahouses, set up because the carcass is property of the Crown and anything removed from it is regarded as theft.