Hundreds of stingray carcasses found washed up on Mexican beach
THE carcasses of at least 250 stingrays have mysteriously been found washed on a beach of the Gulf coast state of Veracruz.
The strange occurance has prompted Mexican authorities to investigate after mixed witness reports have left the cause a mystery.
Residents and visitors first spotted the dead rays on Tuesday on the Chachalacas beach in the town of Ursulo Galvan and alerted the authorities, according to reports.
The town's Mayor, Martin Verdejo, says witnesses told authorities fishermen may have dumped the butchered stingrays on the beach.
Chopped stingray wings are commonly served as snacks in Veracruz restaurants.
Food vendor Adriana Loredo says she was at the beach when she saw fishermen dumping the rays from their nets.
It is possible the carcasses were abandoned because the fishermen weren't able to get a good price for them, witnesses have said.
Others have said the rays were cut and the parts that would not be sold were simply left to rot on the beach.
Contradictory reports have said that the stingray carcasses were mysteriously washed ashore by the waves at sunrise.
