An enormous humback whale, in advanced state of decomposition, has become an attraction on the beach at Miches. The beach on the southern shore of the Bay of Samana, has long been a favored lookout point to observe the behavior of humpbacks, who call the bay home during the winter months. The whale’s head was first observed at high tide ten days ago by Miguel Gil, a local fisherman. "The animal was, like, sad, and wasn’t moving much. But we didn’t approach it," said Gil, fearing that a sudden movement could swamp his rowboat. The behemoth measures 40 feet in length, and its girth is more than 6 feet. The flukes measure almost 20 feet. Local environmental groups have expressed concern that seeping whale oil might damage the beach, which has long been a prime viewing area to observe the whales which make Samana Bay their winter playground. Those living nearby are beginning to catch a whiff of the tons of decomposing blubber. But the odor hasn’t put off lots of local women who boldly approach, knife in hand, to slice off a piece of no-cost hair conditioner.
