Historical meteor events in France and common dolphin deaths

I'm still researching stranding events in France and came across two other large incidents that were notable. These are just preliminary and noted for interest. See September 18th post.

2019, October 13. France. Fireball. A brilliant meteor was spotted in the Eastern part of country at 04:48 UTC. The fireball was seen not only from France but also from parts of Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

2020, December 13. France. Fireball. 115 reports about a meteor fireball seen over Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Baden-Württemberg, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Fribourg, Grand Est, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Piemonte, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rheinland-Pfalz and Vaud. Time: around 16:42 UT.

Histograms & Stranding Maps Scavenging Database: Histograms & Stranding Maps

Around 100 marine mammals washed up on the Belgian coast in 2024

In 2024, around 100 marine mammals washed up on the Belgian coast, including 36 harbour porpoises, 72 seals, and one young minke whale. Harbour porpoise strandings continue to decline, with 2024 marking the second-lowest number in 22 years. The cause of this decrease remains unknown, though fewer porpoises were observed in Belgian waters overall. Seal strandings have increased, reaching the second-highest count in 30 years. This rise is linked to growing populations in nearby countries. The minke whale that stranded in Ostend in May 2024 was very young and believed to have died from starvation after losing its mother. Although non-porpoise cetacean sightings remain rare, 2024 saw unusual observations including two live humpback whales, several dolphins, and another minke whale off the Belgian coast.

Whale dies in English Channel after two Fireballs

2025, May 22. English Channel. Fireball. Time: 22:01 UT;2025-05-23 00:01CEST. Almost identical to the event below, two days later, just further out into the sea. Seen in France and the Netherlands.  

2025, May 24. Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar sea. A 50-kilogram Irrawaddy dolphin was rescued.

2025, May 24. USA, California, New Brighton State Beach. Dead dolphin.

2025, May 24. English Channel. Fireball. Observed in France, Belgium, Germany, UK and the Netherlands. A sonic boom with concurrent and delayed properties was observed. Travelling SW over the mouth of the River Somme. 2025-05-24 Time: 00:00 or 22:03 UT May 23rd.  

2025, May 24.  English Channel, Guernsey, Channel Islands, Chouet Beach. Dead whale.

2025, May 24. South Africa, Struisbaai on the plaat. A cachalot (sperm whale) washed ashore alive but died. There have been two meteor airbursts within regional stranding parameters, one on March 29 and the other on April 8. See April 1st and April 9th posts regarding Marine Animal Disturbance Alerts. 

Sperm Whale in South Africa. 

Black dolphins (Pilot whales) stranded in UK waters Updated: 20241003

Thirty British Divers Marine Life Rescue members are trying to rescue nine pilot whales stranded in the Swale estuary near Sittingbourne off the Kent coast. The pod has become trapped on mudflats. Specialist equipment is being used to get across 1.2km of mud to reach the whales. Near Ferry House. Will give updates later. Update: 20241003. Seven whales have died.

Swale Estuary: Four whales dead after washing up on Kent coast (bbc.com)

Google Maps

The below picture is of a fireball captured during its flight on September 17. It is one of many seen across Europe is the last couple of months. This particuar one was travelling north to south.

Credit Sarah L.  

https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/

Large fireball in English Channel/Celtic Sea

2024 July 18. Celtic Sea and the English Channel. Fireball. The meteor had electrophonic properties. Time: 20:36. Witnessed in le-de-France, Bretagne, England, Normandie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Pays de la Loire and Wales. This event should be noted as a risk to marine animals. I await further flight duration information before proceeding with a Marine Animal Disturbance alert. The meteor was seen in locations 700km apart. There were more reports of concurrent sound than delayed.

Dead whale near Channel Islands

2024, June 5. English Channel, 24-32 kilometres southwest of Guernsey, Channel Islands. Whale 15 meters long. Species undetermined at this time, likely a humpback. Guernsey Coastguard is investigating.

Picture supplied by Channel Islands Air Search

CI Air Search deployed to monitor dead whale | Guernsey Press

13 dolphins attempt stranding in Channel Islands

2024, March 12. UK, Channel Islands, Jersey, La Rocque beach. 13 dolphins rescued during shallow water attempt to strand. They have been observed in the last two weeks in a delicate state.

Pod of dolphins rescued from shallow pool at La Rocque beach - BBC News

Heavy meteor activity this month in the English Channel. One meteor in the North English Channel/ North Sea was seen as far away as central Germany.

Map – Fireballs Aotearoa