A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) washed ashore at Biervliet in 1429

Around 15 February 1429 (proleptic Gregorian date 24th February) a male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was washed ashore on the island of Biervliet (figure 1), just inside the mouth of the Westerschelde (Western Scheldt) in the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands. A pile work for sea defense was hit and damaged. Due to later land reclamations, the stranding locality (51.329 N, 3.690 E) is today situated inland. The sperm whale is documented by a drawing, clearly depicting the diagnostic features of the species, in the annual account of the town of Biervliet for 1428-1429..........