REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, AMBON -- The people of West Seram Regency were taken by surprise at the sight of a stranded whale at the Kepala Lobang Beach, Huamual Belakang District.

The giant ocean mammal was first discovered alive but later died, according to a statement made by the regional military command XVI/Pattimura on Tuesday.

Sharir, a 34-year-old local fisherman, was the first to spot the stranded whale.

The fisherman was checking his speedboat on the coast when he heard the sound of a large object spouting water.