Delhi, January 5: In a case of mistaken identity, beachgoers on a beach in Brazil fled in terror when they thought they were caught in a shark attack but instead they were approached by harmless whales in the water. The incident was filmed at Prainha beach in Arraial do Cabo and shows a number of people on the beach fleeing and screaming in terror as they see dorsal fins and huge tails trashing around in the water.

The footage was shot on New Year’s eve and shows visitors running away in horror after witnessing the water turn dark, reported Dailystar.

However, experts have since revealed that the panicked beachgoers were almost certainly swimming away from a group of harmless whales. Biologist Marcello Tardelli was quoted speaking to the local media in Brazil that the species seen in the footage was most probably the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). Angry Hippo Leaps Forward to Chase a Tourist Speedboat on a Lake; Terrifying Video of the Giant Mammal Goes Viral 

However, when the officials went to inspect the beach later they found no beached whales. They believe that the sea creatures likely managed to swim back out to sea. Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted Swiming in Ocean! Old Video of The Magnificent Aquatic Mammal Goes Viral, Netizens Find it Beautiful!

Officials later confirmed that the animals were toothed whales (Odontoceti) and not sharks as some people had thought.

While most were seen running in horror, there were some people who were seen trying to help the the stranded marine mammals. However, officials at the Fundacao do Meio Ambiente (Environment Foundation) said that people should avoid approaching or touching stranded animals and wait for the arrival of experts who can help the animal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2023 03:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).