The dead whale ran aground at around 18:30 on Sunday, on Salgados beach, in Albufeira, Algarve, but the authorities were unable to prevent the mammal from being dragged into the sea again, which has meant that it has now been washed up onto a new beach.

The captain of the Port of Portimão said that the animal was detected by "the Maritime Police" and "the municipal services [of Silves] were alerted and proceeded to remove the whale at 1:00pm".