Dead whale had 29kg of plastic in stomach

A sperm whale which had been found dead on the coast of Murcia in southern Spain had ingested 29kg of plastic waste. (Stock picture)

Hannah Strange

A sperm whale found dead on the coast of Murcia in southern Spain was killed by gastric shock caused by ingesting 29kg of plastic waste, authorities said.

The young male's stomach and intestines were found to contain rubbish including plastic bags, raffia sacks, pieces of nets and ropes and even a plastic jerry can, marine experts said after a post-mortem examination.