An enormous Bryde whale surfaces on the coast of Đề Gi beach in Phú Cát District in the south-central province of Bình Định. Photo courtesy of Hoàng Đức Ngọc

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BÌNH ĐỊNH — Locals and photographers from across the country were thrilled by the appearance of Bryde whales in Đề Gi sea, Phú Cát District, Bình Định Province in recent days.

On August 4, between 5 and 7 am, the whales, which weigh an average of 1–2 tons for young individuals and up to 20 tons for large individuals, were seen swimming.

A Bryde whale has its mouth open while hunting for tiny, shrimp-like krill. Photo courtesy of Hoàng Đức Ngọc

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Many locals believe that the appearance of Bryde whales is a sign of good luck. Photo courtesy of Hoàng Đức Ngọc

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Đỗ Thanh Toàn, a tourist, said that the blue whales appeared to be hunting near the shore.

The sighting comes after two blue whales were seen in the waters off Hòn Trâu Island on July 26, an area 45 minutes by canoe from Đề Gi beach.

Sightings of Bryde whales near Đề Gi beach have become increasingly common in recent years; the local fishing community sees them as omens of prosperity. — VNS