On the first day of the new year, an unusual scene played out on the coast of Benalmádena in the province of Málaga—one rarely seen even in southern Spain. In the evening, with the Fuente de la Salud beach nearly empty, a massive marine visitor appeared in the shallows—a five-meter whale, likely a rorqual. Within minutes, the spectacle drew dozens of onlookers and then emergency services to the spot.
The situation escalated quickly. People strolling along the promenade spotted the animal’s huge body right at the water’s edge. Some immediately pulled out phones to record videos, while others called for help. Within minutes, police and marine wildlife specialists arrived. The beach was quickly cordoned off to prevent panic and allow experts to assess the situation.
Excitement on the shore
The whale’s close approach to humans caused quite a stir. Locals and tourists nearby couldn’t hide their astonishment—and even some fear. Some children screamed at the sight of the giant, while adults tried to calm them. The beach atmosphere turned reminiscent of a wildlife documentary, only this was real, playing out just steps away from the city’s bustle.
Police quickly cordoned off the stretch of coastline to prevent crowds from gathering by the water. Soon, a marine biologist arrived at the scene to assess the animal’s condition. According to him, the whale looked tired but was not injured. It was important not to disturb it or cause any additional stress so it could return to the sea on its own.
Rescue operation
Although the situation appeared concerning, experts decided not to intervene directly. Instead, they chose to monitor the whale and give it the chance to reach deeper water on its own. For about half an hour, the animal made several attempts to leave the shore, at times circling back as if losing its bearings. Tension hung over the beach—everyone was waiting to see how this unusual encounter would end.
At one point, the whale seemed to gather its strength, made a determined push, and headed toward the open sea. People on the shore breathed a sigh of relief, and some even applauded. The police lifted the cordon, and the beach once again became a regular spot for walks, though the events remained a hot topic in local cafés and on the streets for some time afterward.
A rare sight
The appearance of large marine mammals off the coast of Costa del Sol is rare, but not unheard of. Sometimes whales lose their way due to illness, exhaustion, or changes in ocean currents. This time, fortunately, there was no tragedy—the animal was unharmed and managed to return to its natural habitat.
Such incidents always stir strong emotions among locals and visitors alike. Some see it as a sign, while others view it as a troubling warning about the state of the environment. But no one remains indifferent. This time, everything ended well, but the question of why the whale appeared near the shore remains unanswered.
