Local residents reported the discovery to Thalang Police, who in turn informed the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea) at Cape Panwa, which operates under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
The dugong, measuring 223cm in length (not including the head) and weighing approximately 250kg, was found in a severely decomposed state.
Officials noted that the animal’s body condition was thin, scoring 2 out of 5 on the body condition scale.
Closer inspection revealed cut marks around the neck, where the head had been removed, with the first cervical vertebrae severed.
Additional abrasions, strangle marks on the right fin, and barnacle growth were noted on its back, indicating prolonged time in the water.
DMCR officers had the carcass transported to the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, where they will conduct an autopsy in the hope of uncovering further details about dugong’s death and whether foul play was involved.