Dear All,

Last month, while crossing the North Atlantic on a cruise ship, I encountered a dead cetacean at 49.130 N, 33.4363 W (i.e. in deep water, approximately 200 nm W of the Mid-Atlantic ridge and 600 nm NNW of the Azores).  Photographs of the animal can be downloaded from here:


The total body length was was approximately 4-7 m. The length and shape of the pectoral fin, as well as the shape of the melon and mouth line, suggest to me either a pilot whale or a Risso's dolphin. I would appreciate any further opinions on the animal'a identity.

Thank you for your time,

Ewan

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Dr Ewan Wakefield

Email: Ewan_Wakefield@yahoo.co.uk

Tel:      +44 (0)1751 417478

Mobile: +44 (0)7973 801133